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Gass_ 
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AN ACCOUNT 



EXPERIENCE 



HESTER ANN ROGERS; 

it 



FUNERAL SERMON, BY REV. DR. COKE 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED 



HER SPIRITUAL LETTERS. 



Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what 
he hath done for my soul. — Psa. lxvi, 17. 



REVISED BY THE EDITORS. 



NEW-YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY G. LANE & C. B.TIPPETT, 

FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 200 MULBERRY-STREET 

JOSEPH LONGKING, PRINTER. 

1846. 



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- 



EXPERIENCE 

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MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 



I was born at Macclesfield, in Cheshire, 
January 31, 1756, of which place my father 
was minister for many years ; being a clergy- 
man of the Church of England. He was a man 
of strict morals, and, as far as he was enlight- 
ened, of real piety. I was trained up in the 
observance of all outward duties, and in the 
fear of those sins, which in these modern times 
are too often deemed accomplishments. I was 
not suffered to name God but with the deepest 
reverence ; and once for telling a lie, I was 
corrected in such a manner as I never forgot. 
We had constantly family prayer ; the sabbath 
was kept strictly sacred ; and as far as out- 
ward morality, my parents lived irreproachably, 
and in all social duties were regular and har- 
monious. 

I was early drawn out to secret prayer; I 
believed God was the author of all good, of all 
happiness ; and sin the cause of all misery and 
pain. If therefore I wished for any thing I had 
not, I asked God in secret to grant it to me. 
And in any pain of body, or in any of my child- 
ish grief, I fled to him for ease and comfort ; 
and it would be incredible to some, how often 



4 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

I have received manifest ak; <0 f to prayer, 
when not more than four years old ; and how 
my tender mind has been comforted. I was 
deeply affected, and had very serious thoughts 
of death for some time, and after seeing the 
corpse of a little brother of mine, who died of 
the small pox when I was five years old, I 
took great delight in the Bible, and could at 
this time read any part either of the Old or 
New Testament, always asking questions so as 
to obtain understanding of what I read. My 
parents required that I should give an account 
every sabbath evening of the sermons and les- 
sons I heard at church, and say my catechism 
to them, which they explained to my under- 
standing. They also required that I should 
learn the collect for the day, and repeat it with 
my other prayers every night and morning. 
These collects I also often repeated in secret, 
and with great sincerity before the Lord. I do 
not remember ever going to bed without having 
said my prayers, except once : I was then 
diverted by a girl who told me many childish 
stories, and so took up my attention, that I 
forgojt to pray till I was in bed ; and then being 
alone, I recollected what I had done, and con- 
science greatly accused me ; so that I began 
to tremble lest Satan should be permitted of 
God to take me away body and soul, which I 
felt I deserved! I soon after thought I saw 
him coming to the side of my bed ; when I 
shrieked out in such a manner as brought my 
parents up stairs to see what was the matter. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. O 

This made a lasting impression ; and I never 
after dared to neglect commending myself to 
the protection of God before I slept. I was at 
this time about six years old. 

When about eight years of age I heard my 
father say he had a very remarkable dream 
when recovering from a dangerous illness : 
that he stood before the throne of God, and 
saw his glory. But not being able to gaze upon 
it, fell on his face in raptures of joy. 

My mother asked if he could describe what 
he saw, but he answered, No, it was impossible 
to convey any idea of it, the sight seemed al- 
most to deprive him of being. She asked if 
any thing was spoken to him, but he desired 
her to ask no more respecting it : nor would he 
ever tell her any more. I have often thought 
he received some notice in that dream of his 
approaching dissolution. A material change 
was evident from that time in all his conduct 
and tempers. Anger was ever before a beset- 
ting sin, but I do not remember to have seen 
him overcome by it after this. He was more 
vigilant in public and private duties ; more 
humble and patient under little difficulties and 
trials, more watchful over the morals of all 
around him, and took more pains than ever to 
inform my infant mind in all things which led 
to piety and virtue. He warned me against 
reading novels and romances, would not suffer 
me to learn to dance, nor to go on visits to play 
with those of my own age. He said it was the 
ruin of youth to suppose they were only to 



O MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

spend their time in diversions. I believe I 
shall have reason to bless God for ever for 
several lessons he then gave me, and to all of 
which I listened with great delight. 

In February, 1765, when I was a little more 
than nine years old, he took his last sickness ; 
a malignant fever, in which he lay several 
weeks, expressing through the whole of it an 
entire submission to the will of God, and an 
assurance of a happy eternity. He sung 
psalms, repeated various scriptures, and praised 
God aloud ; and was continually commending 
to his care his dear wife and children. A few 
days before he died, he called aloud for me ; 
and when I came, he took my hand in his, very 
affectionately, and said, " My dear Hetty, you 
look dejected. You must not let your spirits 
be cast down ; God hath ever cared for me, and 
he will take care of mine. He will bless you, 
my dear, when I am gone. I hope you will be 
a good child, and then you will be happy." 
Then laying his hand on my head, he lifted his 
eyes to heaven, and with a solemnity I shall 
never forget, said, — "'Unto God's gracious 
mercy and protection I -commit thee : the Lord 
bless thee, and keep thee ; the Lord lift up the 
light of his countenance upon thee, and give 
thee peace, and make thee his child and faith- 
ful servant to thy life's end !" I cannot find 
words to express what were the feelings of my 
heart on this occasion. Love for my valuable 
and affectionate parent ; grief to reflect I was 
now losing him, and gratitude that his dying 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 7 

lips had pronounced such a blessing on my 
head, quite overpowered me. I fell on my 
knees, gave vent to my feelings in a flood of 
tears, and continued to weep till my eyes were 
almost swelled up. He died the tenth of April, 
1765. 

My grief for some time would not suffer me 
to take recreations of any kind ; but I would sit 
and read to my mother, or weep with her. But 
after a season, I was invited to the houses of 
relations and friends ; and as I soon became a 
laughing stock among them for my seriousness, 
and dislike to their manners and their plays, I 
began to be ashamed of being so particular. 
My mother was also now prevailed on to let me 
learn to dance, in order to raise my spirits and 
improve my carriage, &c. This was a fatal 
stab to my seriousness and divine impressions ; 
it paved the way to lightness, trifling, love of 
pleasure, and various evils. As I soon made 
some proficiency, I delighted much in this en- 
snaring folly. My pride was fed by being ad- 
mired, and began to make itself manifest with 
all its fruits. I now aimed to excel my com- 
panions, not in piety, but in fashionable dress ; 
and could not rest long without being engaged 
in parties of pleasure, and especially in this 
(what the world calls) innocent amusement. I 
also obtained all the -novels and romances I 
possibly could, and spent some time every day 
in reading them ; though at first it was unknown 
to my mother, who would not then suffer it. 
After this I attended plays also. In short, I 



8 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

fell into all the vain customs and pleasures of a 
delusive world, as far as my situation in life 
would admit, and even beyond the proper limits 
of that station in which God had placed me. 
Thus was my precious time misspent, and my 
foolish heart wandered far from happiness and 
God ; urging me on to endless ruin. Yet in all 
this, I was not left without keen convictions, 
gentle drawings, and many short-lived good 
resolutions, especially till fifteen years of age. 
God often wrought strongly upon my mind, and 
that in various ways, of which I come now to 
speak. But O ! how did I grieve and resist 
the Holy Ghost! How justly might he have 
given me up ; yea, and sealed me over to eter- 
nal destruction ! 

In the year 1769, when I was thirteen years 
old, the bishop of Chester being to hold a con- 
firmation at Macclesfield, I resolved to attend 
that ordinance, though it was with many tears 
and much trembling ; for I believed till persons 
were confirmed they were not fully accountable 
to God for their own conduct. But when this 
solemn renewal of the baptismal covenant was 
made in their own persons, then whosoever did 
not keep that covenant must perish everlastingly. 
I therefore endeavoured seriously to understand 
the import of it, and was deeply convinced I 
was neither inwardly nor outwardly what it 
required. The knowledge of this wrought 
much sorrow; and I formed strong resolutions 
to lead a new life. Yet sin had so blinded my 
eyes, that I could not at this time believe, or at 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. y 

least I would not, that dancing, cards, or attend- 
ing plays, was sinful. These, therefore, I did 
not even resolve against. But I resolved against 
anger, pride, disobedience to my parent ; also 
the neglect of secret prayer and church going ; 
with all wanderings of heart in those duties, and 
a variety of other evil tempers of which I knew 
myself guilty. Having humbled myself before 
God, fasted and prayed, and, as I vainly thought, 
fortified myself by these resolutions of keeping 
all God's commands in future, I ventured to 
take upon me the solemn vow. But such was 
my fear and trembling at the time, that when I 
approached the altar, I was near fainting ; and 
when I returned to the pew I burst into a flood 
of tears. This was on Whitsunday ; and I in- 
tended to receive the holy sacrament the Sunday 
following. But before I came, I was conscious 
I had already broken my solemn vows ; and on 
the reflection, my distress was great, and I 
had many doubts whether partaking of the 
Lord's supper would not be sealing my own 
damnation. However, one day as I was pray- 
ing, it came into my mind, this holy sacrament 
is called a means of grace ; surely then it is 
just what so sinful, so helpless a soul wants. 
I will go to it then as a means whereby to 
receive strength and grace to conquer sin in 
future. In this view of that blessed ordinance 
I found much comfort ; and I am now assured 
it was from the Lord, whom ignorantly I was 
feeling after. I approached the Lord's table, 
therefore, with renewed vows, and renewed 



10 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

hopes : but, alas ! these also were as the 
" morning cloud, and as the early dew, which 
passeth away." For several months I thus re- 
pented and sinned, resolved, and broke all my 
resolutions ; sinned and repented again. I 
dared not to receive the Lord's supper without 
resolving on a new life ; neither dared I to stay 
from it; nor did I ever attend without being 
wrought on by the Spirit of God. 

The latter end of this year I had a malignant 
fever, and believed I should die. I felt myself 
totally unprepared to appear before a holy God, 
and was in great distress : I earnestly entreated 
him to spare me a little longer, and resolved I 
would then spend a new life indeed. A patient 
forbearing God of love listened to my request, 
and did not cut the fig-tree down. One night 
during this illness I dreamed my soul was 
separated from the body, and I, with three of 
my cousins,* with whom I had a close intimacy, 
and who I thought had left the body also, were 
waiting in dreadful expectation of being sum- 
moned to the bar of God ; and we all believed 
our doom would be everlasting darkness ! My 
sins all appeared as in array against me, in the 
court of conscience, and my mouth was stopped : 
I had no plea whatever, no hope ; for it seemed 

* N. B. These three cousins were Robert Roe, whose 
experience and death is related in the Arminian Magazine, 
and two of his sisters, Mary and Frances. These are all 
asleep in Jesus, and their happy spirits rejoicing before his 
throne ; though at the time of this dream they were un- 
awakened sinners. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 11 

the justice of God must unavoidably sentence 
me to endless misery, which I felt to be my 
real desert ; and was bewailing my own folly 
with bitter cries and lamentations. Their em- 
ploy I thought was the same ; each of us dread- 
ing " the worm that dieth not, and the fire which 
never shall be quenched !" When suddenly 
there appeared a clcmd of uncommon brightness, 
and soon after a glorious angel descended in 
the cloud, and stood before us, clothed in white, 
with a majesty and beauty not to be described. 
We beheld his approach with trembling awe, 
and almost an agony of despair, believing he 
was sent to summon us to appear, and receive 
the deserved but dreadful sentence, " Depart, 
ye accursed!" But to our inconceivable sur- 
prise, he smiled on us with heavenly sweetness, 
and said, " The Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven 
all your sins, and washed you in his own 
blood, and I am come to bid you enter into the 
joy of your Lord, and to conduct you into his 
blissful presence !" Being now suddenly trans- 
ported from depths of misery into joy unspeak- 
able, love beyond compare, and extreme delight, 
I thought I sprung up, clapped my hands, leaped 
for joy, and praised my God in ecstacies un- 
known before ; so that it awoke me ! Never 
did I feel any thing like what I felt in this 
dream, sleeping or waking, before or after, till 
the Lord did truly speak my sins forgiven. 
This made a deep impression on my mind for 
some time. For a month or two I was very 
serious and circumspect, and read all the reli- 



12 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

gious books I could meet with. One of these 
I remember asserted, that we are all to be 
judged according to our works : therefore, if 
our good works are more than our evil ones, we 
are in a fair and sure way for heaven when we 
die ; but if our evil works exceed our good, we 
may expect condemnation. I thought I would 
impartially examine myself by this rule, and see 
what hope I should have for my own soul on 
these terms. I therefore made a little book, in 
which I put down every good and bad action 
with great sincerity ; at the same time praying 
to God to show me if I were in the way to 
heaven or not. But then there were many 
things, as before observed, which I did not 
account sinful ; and again, many things I ac- 
counted good actions, because entirely ignorant 
that an impure motive, in the sight of that God 
who searcheth the heart, renders our actions, 
however splendid in the sight of men, abomi- 
nable before him. Every act of obedience to 
my elders or superiors I accounted a good 
action; as also every prayer I offered, every 
ordinance I attended, every time I spoke the 
truth, instead of denying a fault : and in order 
to swell the number of my good actions, I 
would sometimes refuse going to a play, or to 
an entertainment, and read to my mother at 
home. Nay, with this view I have fasted whole 
days from morning till evening ; but after all I 
found my bad actions more than my good ones. 
Yet I went on resolving to be better, and still 
keeping the account, till being at a dance, I 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 13 

pulled out my little book with my pocket hand- 
kerchief, and it was found, and made the jest 
of the company. I was then so ashamed, that 
I resolved to follow this method no more. 

I met with another book, which affirmed it 
was impossible to conquer all sins at once ; and 
if ever we would obtain victory, it must be by 
overcoming first one and then another. Pride 
and anger I felt to be my most besetting sins, 
and therefore set myself against these in par- 
ticular. But I was foiled in every attempt, and 
it seemed, as the poet says, — 

"The more I strove against their power, 
I sinn'd and stumbled but the more." 

So that this trial only made a more clear dis- 
covery that pride was interwoven with my 
every thought, and word, and action. I was 
now quite discouraged, and thought it was all 
in vain to strive for a victory so impossible to 
gain ! I then looked around, and considered 
the conduct of others ; and when I saw them 
more trifling, more wicked than myself, and 
some of them, who passed for amiable charac- 
ters, guilty of things which my soul shuddered 
at, I began to conclude I was very good, com- 
pared with these ; and surely all these would 
not be doomed to hell and damnation ! That 
God was merciful, Christ died for sinners, and 
therefore if I lived a tolerably moral life, he 
would pardon and accept- me through the merits 
of Christ in the hour of death ; or at least, I 
had as good a chance as others ; and therefore 
would cast away fear, and live like the rest of 



14 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

my moral neighbours. It was some time, how- 
ever, before I had so resisted the convictions 
of the Holy Spirit as to remain at ease : he 
strove with me various ways, till I was a little 
more than fifteen. But I so repeatedly grieved 
and quenched the motions of that Holy Spirit, 
that I was then in some measure given up to 
my own foolish rebellious heart. Dress, novels, 
plays, cards, assemblies, and balls, took up the 
most of my time, so that my mother began to 
fear the consequences of my living so much 
above my station in life. But I would not now 
listen to her admonitions. I loved pleasures, 
and after them I would go. 

What increased my vanity and pride was, 
that I was much beloved by my godmother,* a 
lady of very considerable fortune, and often 
spent most of the summer months at Adlington 
with her ; where I was always treated as if she 
intended to bestow a handsome fortune on me. 
She introduced me into the company of those 
in high life, and enabled me, by large presents, 
to dress in a manner suitable to such company. 
O how fatal in general are such prospects to a 
young mind ! Yet in all this, I still wished to 
preserve a religious appearance. I still fre- 
quented church and sacraments, still prayed 
night and morning, fasted sometimes, and espe- 
cially in Lent ;f and because I did these things, 

* A woman who becomes sponsor for a child in bap- 
tism. — Ed. 

t A fast in the Church of England. It continues forty 
days, or from Ash- Wednesday to Easter. — Ed. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 15 

esteemed myself a far better Christian than my 
neighbours. Yea, so blind was I, that I had a 
better opinion now of my own goodness than 
formerly, when I was far more earnest about 
salvation. What a proof that sin darkens the 
understanding ! 

In the summer of 1773 I was at Adlington 
with my godmother above-mentioned ; when I 
heard various accounts of a clergyman whom 
my uncle Roe had recommended to be curate 
at Macclesfield, and who was said to be a 
Methodist.* This conveyed to my mind as 
unpleasing an idea of him, as if he had been 
called a Romish priest ; being fully persuaded 
that to be a Methodist was to be all that was 
vile under a mask of piety. These prejudices 
were owing to the false stories which from 
time to time I heard repeated to my father, 
when about seven or eight years old ; and also 
many more which my mother heard after his 
death, and to the present time : so that I be- 
lieved their teachers were the false prophets 
spoken of in the Scripture : that they deceived 
the illiterate, and were little better than common 
pickpockets : that they filled some of their 
hearers with presumption, and drove others to 
despair : that with respect to their doctrines, 
they enforced chiefly, that whosoever embraced 
their tenets, which they called faith, might live 
as they pleased, in all sin, and be sure of salva- 
tion : and that all the world besides must be 

* The late David Simpson, author of " A Plea for the 
Bible," &c— Ed. 



16 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

damned without remedy : that they had meet- 
ings in the dark, and pretended to cast out 
devils, with many other things equally false 
and absurd; but all of which I believed. I 
heard also, that this new clergyman preached 
against all my favourite diversions, such as 
going to plays, reading novels, attending balls, 
assemblies, canMables, &c. But I resolved he 
should not make a convert of me ; and that if I 
found him, on my return home, such as was 
represented, I would not go often to hear him. 
When I came back to Macclesfield, the 
whole town was in alarm. My uncle Roe, and 
my cousins, seemed very fond of Mr. Simpson, 
and told me he was a most excellent man ; but 
that all the rest of my relations were exaspe- 
rated against him. I asked, Is it true, he 
preaches against dancing? and said, I was 
resolved to take the first opportunity of con- 
versing with him, being certain I could easily 
prove such amusements were not sinful. Being 
told what arguments he made use of, I revolved 
them in my mind ; fully determined if I found 
upon reflection I could answer them, I would. 
I first considered if any Scripture example 
could be brought. I remembered to have read 
of Miriam's dancing ; but it was to express her 
pious joy to the Lord, and as an act of worship, 
accompanied by a hymn of praise. David 
danced also, but it was in like manner, and 
from like motives. Herod's daughter danced, 
but she was a heathen, and the cause of be- 
heading a servant of God. Nothing therefore 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 17 

which I found in Scripture countenanced dancing 
in any measure. I then began to consider the 
objections urged against it. One of these was, 
that as it tends to levity and trifling mirth, so it 
enervates the mind, dissipates the thoughts, 
weakens, if not stifles, serious and good im- 
pressions ; and quite indisposes the mind for 
prayer. I asked my own heart, Is not this a 
truth ? Conscience answered in the affirmative. 
Mr. Simpson pleads further, What good is pro- 
moted hereby 1 I would gladly have had it to 
urge, It promotes health ; but many instances 
of those who had lost health, and even life, 
within my own knowledge, through attending 
this very diversion, would not permit this. 
Among others, I had a recent proof in Miss 
H , who, by a violent cold taken at an as- 
sembly, was thrown into a quick consumption, 
and in a few months fled to an awful eternity. 
Again he pleads, Are you made better Chris- 
tians, better husbands, better children hereby ? 
Better Christians I was conscious none could 
be for having the mind dissipated and unfitted 
for prayer. Some husbands I knew who were 
not made better, and some wives, who, to sup- 
port extravagant dress on such occasions, had 
greatly injured their families. For my own 
part, I was conscious it had led me to dress 
and to expenses not suited to my present 
situation in life. These thoughts brought 
powerful convictions to my.mind, notwithstand- 
ing my desire to resist them. I could not 
deny that truth in particular, that those who 
2 



18 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

habitually attend such pleasures, lose all relish 
for spiritual things ; God is shut out of their 
thoughts and hearts ; prayer, if they use any, 
is full of wanderings, or perhaps wholly ne- 
glected ; and death put as far as possible out 
of sight, lest the thought should spoil their 
pleasures. I was conscious beyond a doubt, 
these were the fruits which this delusive plea- 
sure had wrought in my own soul : and com- 
paring my present state of mind with what it 
was before I entered upon this diversion, so 
mistakenly called innocent, I found cause to 
be deeply ashamed. But then, if this rs really 
true, said I to myself, I ought not to follow 
this amusement any longer. And can I give it 
up ? My vile heart replied, I cannot, I will not. 
The Spirit of God whispered, Will you then 
indulge yourself in what you know to be sin ? 
Would you wish to be struck dead in the ball- 
room? My conflict was great, yet I was re- 
solved to run all hazards rather than give up 
this pleasure. Therefore I stifled these con- 
victions with all my might ; and after this ran 
more eagerly than ever into all pleasurable fol- 
lies. O my patient, long-suffering God, tears 
of grateful love and praise overflow my eyes 
when I consider my deep rebellion, and thy 
sparing mercy! 

About this time I grew tired of novels, and 
took great delight in reading history. I went 
through several English and Roman histories, 
Rollin's Ancient History, and Stackhouse's His- 
tory of the Bible, intending to go through the 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 19 

Universal History also. And now I believed 
myself far wiser than any person of my age. 
Upon the whole, I believe I was at this time on 
the pinnacle of destruction. And had a just 
and holy God then cut the brittle thread of life, 
I believe I should have sunk into hell. But 
love had swifter wings than death, and mercy 
to my rescue flew. 

In October, 1773, a neighbour of my mother's 
being very ill and very poor, I went to visit her, 
and found her, to my great surprise, joyfully 
triumphing over death, yea, longing to be gone. 
This affected me much ; for I felt I was in a 
quite different state ; that if death should ap- 
proach me, he would be a king of terrors. And 
I had no hopes of happiness beyond the grave. 
About this time also, Mr. Simpson's sermons 
began to sink more deeply into my heart, yet so 
great were my obstinacy and folly, that I would 
come out of the church weeping, and with the 
next person I met, would ridicule the sermon 
that affected me, lest I should be thought or 
called a Methodist. I began, however, in my 
serious moments, to resolve again and again I 
would break off my sins by true repentance ; 
and especially that I would dance no more. Yet 
time after time I was prevailed on by my car- 
nal friends, and broke the promises I had made 
to my God. 

January the first, 1774, 1 was deeply wrought 
upon by a sermon preached on, " What shall it 
profit a man if he gain the whole world, and 
lose his own soul ?" And soon after, under an- 



20 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

other, on the Epistle to the church of Laodicea. 
Again, while Mr. Simpson preached on the new 
birth, from John iii, 3, I saw, and felt as I never 
did before, that I must experience that divine 
change, or perish. But I had still one great 
hinderance which I have not yet mentioned, 
namely, a young person, for whom I had a sin- 
cere affection : he and two of his sisters, with 
whom I had also formed a strict intimacy from 
the death of my father, were my constant com- 
panions ; and were more seriously disposed than 
any of the rest. However, I was sensible, if I 
renounced my pleasures, and became what God 
and my own conscience now required, I must, 
in the first place, give him up, and that fully ; 
or he would be the means of drawing me back ; 
for he was yet unawakened, though outwardly 
moral. 

But I could not yet make this sacrifice. 
Therefore I continued to go to assemblies, though 
conscience bled ; and often in the midst of the 
dance, I felt as miserable as a creature could 
be, with a sense of guilt, and fears of death and 
hell. Sometimes those words were applied, " It 
is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And 
indeed so I felt it. Yet I would not acknow- 
ledge my unhappiness to any, but carried it off 
with the appearance of gayety ; and at the last 
assembly I ever attended, never sat down the 
whole night, but danced till four o'clock in the 
morning. Soon after this, however, the Lord 
wrought a much deeper work upon my soul. 

In April, 1774, on the Sunday before Easter, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 21 

Mr. Simpson preached from John vi, 44, " No 
man can come unto me, except the Father which 
hath sent me draw him." Explaining the draw- 
ings of the Father, he related his own expe- 
rience, under the name of Eusebius, brought up 
in all moral duties, an attendant on church and 
sacrament, and one who said many prayers ; 
yet when twenty-two years old, was deeply 
convinced he had never been a Christian. 
Could then say feelingly, what he had often 
before repeated in words only, " The remem- 
brance of my sins is grievous unto me : the 
burden of them is intolerable." — [All this sunk 
into my very soul ; this was just my case.] He 
mourned, and wept, and prayed ! And one day 
as he was in prayer, and had such a view of his 
past sinfulness, and present guilt and pollution, 
as almost deprived him of all hope, the Lord 
suddenly removed his burden, and spoke pardon 
and peace to his soul, so that he felt his sins 
were all forgiven. Lord, said I, if this is truth, 
(and I cannot disbelieve it,) let me never rest 
till I obtain a like blessing. He went on to 
observe the nature of this change, and the ob- 
jections made in our day to this doctrine of the 
new birth. One of these objections he dwelt 
upon, viz : " We are born again when baptized ;" 
but proved, if it were even so, we must still 
repent anew, and be forgiven, since all have 
broken the baptismal vow. Then he appealed 
to each : " Have you renounced the devil and 
all his works, the pomps and vanities of this 
wicked world, with every sinful desire ?" while 



22 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

I could only plead guilty, guilty. " Have you 
never taken the name of God in vain ? never 
profaned his sabbaths 1 never set up idols in 
your heart 1 If you have done these things, you 
have broken, the first four commandments of 
God." I pleaded guilty here also : for though 
with respect to the third, I could not accuse 
myself of profanely swearing, or even naming 
my Maker in conversation, as many do ; yet this 
prohibition also condemned me, in having taken 
the name of God in vain in my polluted lips in 
his house of worship, and appearing before men 
engaged in devotion, while my heart was wan- 
dering to the ends of the earth. As he passed 
through the rest of the commandments, I could 
still plead nothing but guilty. And when in the 
application of his sermon he asked, " Now what 
think you of the state of your souls before God ?" 
I felt myself indeed a lost, perishing, undone 
sinner ; a rebel against repeated convictions and 
drawings ; a rebel against light and knowledge ; 
a condemned criminal by the law of God, and 
one who deserved to be sentenced to eternal 
pain ! I felt I had broken my baptismal vow ; 
my confirmation vow ; my sacramental vows ; 
and had no title to claim any mercy, any hope, 
any plea ! I wept aloud, so that all around me 
were amazed ; nor was I any longer ashamed 
to own the cause. I went home, ran up stairs, 
and fell on my knees ; and made a solemn vow 
to renounce and forsake all my sinful pleasures 
and trifling companions. 

I slept none that night : but arose early next 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 23 

morning, and without telling my mother, took 
all my finery, high-dressed caps, &c, &c, and 
ripped them all up, so that I could wear them no 
more ; then cut my hair short, that it might not 
be in my own power to have it dressed, and in 
the most solemn manner vowed never to dance 
again ! I could do nothing now but bewail my 
own sinfulness, and cry for mercy. I could not 
eat, or sleep, or take any comfort. The curses 
throughout the whole Bible seemed pointed all 
at me ; and I could not claim a single promise. 
I saw my whole life had been nothing but sin 
and rebellion against my Creator, Redeemer, 
and Sanctifier ; and I feared it was now too late 
to seek mercy. 

Thus I continued till Good Friday.* My mo- 
ther thought I was losing my senses, and all my 
friends endeavoured to comfort me in vain. After 
many conflicts and strong fears, I ventured, how- 
ever, once more to approach the Lord's table, 
encouraged by these words, " A broken and a 
contrite heart, God, thou wilt not despise." 

As Mr. Simpson was reading that sentence in 
the communion service, " If any man sin, we 
have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ 
the righteous ; and he is the propitiation for our 
sins," a ray of divine light and comfort was 
darted on my soul, and I cried, Lord Jesus, let 
me feel thou art the propitiation for my sins. I 
was enabled to believe there was mercy for me ; 
and I, even I, should be saved ! I felt love to 
God spring up in my heart, and in a measure 

* The Friday next before Easter. — Ed. 



24 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

could rejoice in him, so that I would have given 
all the world to have died that moment. But, 
alas, this was only for a short season ! In the 
evening one of my cousins calling on me, who 
had been a witness to my late distress, I told her 
of the comfort I had received, and added, I am 
now not afraid to die. She immediately ex- 
claimed, it would be great presumption to say so, 
for even Mr. Simpson, whom she believed the 
best man on earth, said he deserved to go to hell. 
My joy was damped immediately ; and Satan 
telling me I had deceived myself, I gave up my 
confidence, lost my peace, and became again 
very unhappy. 

It had been well for me if I had then known 
the Methodists ; but I had none to instruct me. 
Yet my distress was not the same as before. I 
had now a ray of hope in God, that he would 
make me a new creature by grace ; and those 
horrible and slavish fears of hell were removed. 
I felt my nature all depraved, and my soul full 
of wounds, and bruised by sin. Yea, and I ab- 
horred myself, truly repenting before my God, 
and seeking him with my whole heart, in every 
means of grace. I had never yet heard the 
Methodists ; nor had I lost all my prejudices 
against them ; but a neighbour who had lately 
found peace with God, advised me strongly to 
go, and assured me they had been the means of 
great blessings to his soul. I would not promise, 
but resolved to go privately, so that neither the 
preacher, nor any other person, should know of 
it till afterward. I soon after went at five o'clock 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 25 

one morning, and got into a private seat. Mr. 
Samuel Bardsley preached, from " Comfort ye, 
comfort ye, my people, saith your God." I 
thought every word was for me ! He spoke to 
my heart as if he had known all the secret 
workings there ; and pointed all such sinners 
as I felt myself to be, to Jesus crucified. I was 
much comforted ; my prejudices were now fully 
removed, and I received a full and clear con- 
viction, " These are the people of God, and 
show," in truth, " the way of salvation." 

But now I had new difficulties to encounter : 
I knew if I persisted in hearing the Methodists, 
I must literally give up all. My mother had 
already threatened, if she knew me ever to hear 
them she would disown me. Every friend and 
relation I had in the world, I had reason to be- 
lieve, would do the same. I had no acquaint- 
ance then among the Methodists to take me in ; 
nor knew any refuge to fly to but my God. I 
used much prayer, and entreated him to show 
me his will ; when those words were powerfully 
applied, " Did ever any trust in the Lord, and 
was confounded ?" I answered, No, Lord, and 
I will trust thee ! But Satan suggested, " Thou 
hast no right to trust God : thou art not his child, 
but a sinner, a rebel !" I fell on my knees, and 
cried, " Lord, I am a repenting sinner, and thou 
knowest I have laid down my weapons pf rebel- 
lion ! If I perish I will perish at thy feet ! 
Only show me thy will, and here I am." It was 
then applied, " If any man will come after me, 
let him deny himself, and take up his cross and 



26 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

follow me." I cried, " Lord, I will forsake all, 
and follow thee : I will joyfully bear thy cross ; 
only give me thyself!" From that time I re- 
solved I would at all hazards attend the preach- 
ing. I did so at all opportunities, and it was a 
great comfort to me. 

But when my mother heard of it, a flood of 
persecution burst upon me ! In this time of need 
God raised me up a friend in my uncle Roe, 
who prevented my mother turning me out of 
doors. Yet what I suffered, sometimes through 
her tears and entreaties, and at other times her 
severity, is known only to God. But he strength- 
ened a feeble worm, and enabled me to endure 
all with meekness, as seeing him who is invisible. 
For eight weeks, however, I was closely con- 
fined. My godmother came to talk with me, so 
did my mother's brother, and my father's sister ; 
also a clergyman, and several others ; but the 
Lord gave me a mouth and wisdom to plead my 
own cause, with arguments from his word, so 
that they were in some measure all put to silence. 
In August, my mother took me with her to Ad- 
lington, on our usual summer's visit, though now 
quite contrary to my inclination ; for I found it 
a great grief to be separated from the means of 
grace, and from the dear people of God. Yet 
I dared not refuse her all obedience, which I 
could render with a safe conscience. And 
though I believe she hoped to wean me from 
(what she called) my melancholy and enthusi- 
asm, hereby, yet the Lord kept me steadfast 
and immovable. The deep sense I had of my 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 27 

own weakness and inability to resist evil, or fol- 
low that which is good ; and the great fears I 
had of ever again grieving the Holy Spirit, lest 
he should strive with me no more for ever, con- 
vinced me of the absolute need of using much 
and constant prayer. I therefore left all com- 
pany many times in a day, to retire in secret. 
I refused to conform in dress, or in any thing my 
conscience disapproved ; and when called upon, 
gave reasons for my conduct as the Lord ena- 
bled me ; but always with meekness, and often 
with tears of self-abasement ; so that in a little 
time, finding all their efforts vain, they began to 
leave me to myself ; only I was made to under- 
stand I had now nothing to expect from my 
godmother, as to temporal things. This, how- 
ever, weighed nothing with me, as all my lan- 
guage was, 

" None but Christ to me be given, 
None but Christ in earth or heaven." 

In October we returned home, and I now 
reasoned with my mother, and entreated her 
not to confine me any more ; telling her in hu- 
mility, and yet plainness, I must seek the sal- 
vation of my soul, whatever is the consequence. 
And in order to obtain the end, I must use the 
means. I am therefore determined to leave you, 
and go to be a servant, rather than be kept from 
the Methodists. Yet if you will consent to it, 
I should greatly prefer continuing in your house, 
though it should be as your servant : and I am 
willing to undertake all the work of the house, 



28 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

if you will only suffer me to attend preaching. 
She listened to my proposals ; and after consult- 
ing with her friends, consented to comply on 
this last condition : for she and they were agreed 
that I, who had never been accustomed to hard 
labour, would soon be weary, and give it up. 
But they knew not the power and goodness of 
that God who had strengthened me in all my 
tribulation. 

November the first I entered upon my new 
employments joyfully; undertaking my every 
labour for His sake who bled for me on Calva- 
ry ! and began to feel at times much comfort, 
and reviving hopes, that my redemption drew 
near ; and the happy hour when I should praise 
a pardoning God. Mr. Wesley's Sermon on 
Justification by Faith was a great encourage- 
ment to me. This sermon I read many times 
over with prayer, and could sometimes almost 
embrace the promises. 

On Monday, November 10th, I had strong 
conflicts with Satan, who told me I might as 
well give up all, for I should never obtain a par- 
don ! I had sinned beyond hope ! I felt my heart 
very hard, and he suggested, " This is a proof 
that God has given thee up to hardness and im- 
penitence. Where are thy repentance and tears, 
and brokenness of heart ? If thou couldst repent, 
and weep, and mourn, like others, there would 
be hope. But where is thy sorrow for sin ? 
Thou canst not shed a tear." I was so bur- 
dened and distressed that day, that I could not 
do my work, and my mother reproached me. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 29 

But I besieged the throne of grace with strong 
crying and supplications, to Him that was able 
to save, and who well knew the Spirit's groan- 
ing in my heart. 

My cousin, Charles Roe, then much devoted 
to God, put into my hands a little pamphlet, 
entitled, " The Great Duty of believing on the 
Son of God." Jesus was here set forth in all 
his loveliness of free grace toward a poor re- 
turning prodigal, as every way suited to the sin- 
ner's wants, and all sufficient to save the vilest 
of the vile. As willing now, even as willing as 
when he hung on Calvary, bleeding and dying 
to save sinners : yea, his very murderers ! I was 
much encouraged in reading this, and would 
gladly have spent the night in prayer : but my 
mother (with whom I slept) would not suffer it. 
I therefore went to bed, but could not sleep : 
and at four in the morning rose again, that I 
might wrestle with the Lord. I prayed, but it 
seemed in vain. I walked to and fro, groaning 
for mercy, then fell again on my knees : but the 
heavens appeared as brass, and hope seemed 
almost sunk into despair : when suddenly the 
Lord spake those words to my heart, " Believe 
on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be 
saved." I revived, and cried, " Lord, I know 
this is thy word, and I can depend on it. But 
what is faith ? O show me how to believe : 
show me what is the gospel faith, or I am yet 
undone. I desire not deliverance except in thy 
own way : I desire no happiness, but thy favour. 
What shall I do ? O teach me, O help me, or I 



30 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

am lost!" That word came with divine evi- 
dence and sweetness to my heart, " Cast all thy 
care upon him, for he careth for thee." I said, 
" Lord, dost thou care for me ? and is this faith, 
to cast all my care, even all my sins, (for I 
have no other care,) upon thee ? May I ? Dost 
. thou bid me ? a poor hell-deserving sinner ; a 
sinner against light, and conviction, and re- 
peated vows ; can such love dwell in thee ? Is 
it not too easy a way ? May I, even I, be saved, 
if I only cast my soul on Jesus 1 My burden of 
sin, my load of guilt, my every crime ? What, 
saved from all this guilt ; saved into the favour 
of God ! the holy God ! and become his child ; 
and that now, this moment ! O it is too great, — < 
it cannot, surely it cannot be !" (O what a strug- 
gle had Satan and unbelief with my helpless, 
sinful soul !) But the Lord applied, " Fear not, 
only believe !" Satan suggested, Take care ! 
Suppose Jesus Christ should fail thee ; suppose 
I /| he is not God ! What if he was an impostor, as 
the Jews believe ! O the agony that my soul 
felt at that moment ! But I cried, " If this be so, 
I am undone without remedy ! None but such 
a Saviour as Jesus declares himself to be, (God 
as well as man,) can save my guilty, polluted 
soul. ■ The blood of God-man alone can atone 
for me ! His power alone can change my rebel 
heart : my disease is too deep for any other ; I 
can only perish, nothing can be worse ; so there 
is no hazard. If he is God, he is able, and he 
will save me according to his promise, ' Come 
unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 



-MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 3 L 

and 1 will give you rest.' If he is God, he 
must be truth, and cannot deceive me. And if 
not, a holy God will be a consuming fire to the 
sinner ! And there is no Saviour, no way of sal- 
vation ; I must endure the desert of my sins ; I 
must endure everlasting burnings ; and there- 
fore here I will lie and perish at his feet !" 
Again it came, " Only believe." " Lord Jesus," 
said I, " I will, I do believe ; I now venture my 
whole salvation upon thee as God ! I put my 
guilty soul into thy hands, thy blood is suffi- 
cient ! I cast my soul upon thee for time and 
eternity." Then did he appear to my salvation. 
In that moment my fetters were broken ; my 
bands were loosed ; and my soul set at liberty. 
The love of God was shed abroad in my heart ; 
and I rejoiced with joy unspeakable. Now, if 
I had possessed ten thousand souls I could have 
ventured them all with my Jesus. I would have 
given them all to him ! I felt a thousand pro- 
mises all my own ; more than a thousand scrip- 
tures to confirm my evidence ; — such as, " He 
that believeth shall be saved : shall not perish : 
is not condemned : hath everlasting life : is 
passed from death unto life : shall never die : 
there is no condemnation to them that are in 
Christ Jesus," &c, &c. I could now call Je- 
sus Lord, by the Holy Ghost, and the Father, 
my Father. My sins were gone, my soul was 
happy ; and I longed to depart and be with Je- 
sus. I was truly a new creature, and seemed 
to be in a new world ! I could do nothing but 
love and praise my God : and could not refrain 



32 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

continually repeating, Thou art my Father ! O 
God, thou art my God ! while tears of joy ran 
down my cheeks. 

My mother was astonished at the change 
which appeared in my countenance and whole 
deportment : and I soon told her the happy 
cause : that I, a poor sinner, had received for- 
giveness, and could call God my Father and my 
Friend. Now, said I, I am repaid a thousand 
times for all I have suffered. One hour's ex- 
perience of what I now feel, is, itself, rich amends 
for all ! But I see an eternity of bliss before 
me ! and added, O that you knew what I feel ! 
My words and flowing tears made her weep : 
but she said little, being all wonder. With 
what joy and gratitude did I now undergo the 
most servile of all my employments ! yea, and 
it seemed with double strength of body, though 
I could neither eat nor sleep much for many 
days and nights. The love of God shed abroad 
in my heart was now my meat and drink : and 
the thoughts of the amazing depths of grace 
which had plucked me as a brand from the 
burning quite overcame me ! — me, the most 
obstinate offender, who had so long and so re- 
peatedly resisted, and grieved his Holy Spirit ! 
This love of my God and Saviour, so unmerited 
and free, overflowed my soul: nor had I for 
eight months any interruption to my bliss. 

" Not a cloud did arise, to darken my skies, 
Or hide for a moment my Lord from my eyes." 

Yet I had daily crosses to take up and endure ; 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 33 

but I rejoiced in being accounted worthy to bear 
the cross for Him who died to purchase my peace. 
The word of God was sweeter than honey, or 
the honeycomb. I generally read it on my 
knees : ever receiving light, strength, and com- 
fort to my hungry soul hereby. 

About six months after this, my cousin Robert 
Roe came from Manchester, to go to the college 
in Oxford ; being intended for a clergyman. 
The great change in me was matter of much 
grief to him. But what most astonished him, 
was to find me, instead of being melancholy and 
dejected, always happy and rejoicing 'in God; 
resigned to sufferings and labours, which he well 
knew I could not once have submitted to. He 
saw my pride laid in the dust ; and my soul sunk 
into humility. In short, he saw me the reverse 
of all I had been before ; and comparing my 
present conduct with the Scriptures, he was con- 
strained to own the power of changing grace : 
was convinced by the Spirit of God that I was 
right, and of consequence, that he was not what 
he ought to be, and what he must be if ever he 
was saved. He soon became so unhappy that 
he had no rest, and at last wrote to me, entreat- 
ing, for his soul's sake, I would answer him the 
following questions : " How did you obtain the 
happiness you speak of? Are you certain it is 
real and from God ; and not a delusion, or ima- 
gination only ? Does it arise from an express 
declaration from God; or a consciousness of 
having performed your duty ? Is it some visible 
manifestation you enjoy, or some hoped-for hap- 
3 



34 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

piness ? I know I am a great sinner ! I am 
miserable beyond expression ; and can hardly 
hope for any thing but misery in time, or in 
eternity ! I would give up all the world to ob- 
tain the favour of God you speak of, but I know 
not which way to attain it. If you can lead me 
in the heavenly path, you will render me 
happy indeed. O ! pray for your unhappy 
friend, &c R. R." 

These lines appearing the genuine language 
of sincerity, I wrote immediately, in answer, a 
brief relation of all the Lord's dealings with my 
soul ; inviting him to the same loving and all- 
sufficient Saviour. I advised him to hear the 
Methodists, and go to class meeting ; in which 
he found much comfort, and advanced in grace 
daily ; desiring and seeking nothing but Jesus 
crucified. And, on October 17th, 1775, a few 
weeks only before he went to Oxford, the Lord 
set his soul at liberty : and he rejoiced in a 
clear sense of his pardoning love.* But to 
return. 

About seven months after I undertook to be 
servant to my mother, she was seized with a 
fever, and when just recovering, had a relapse 
which threatened to be fatal : so that for nearly 
six weeks I had to sit up with her every other 
night ; till at last my body began to fail. Indeed 
it was no wonder ; for besides all my labour and 

* The reader may find a more particular account of the 
life, trials, experience, and triumphant death of this Is- 
raelite indeed, in whom was no guile, in the Arminian 
Magazine for the years 1783 and 1784, vols, vi, vii. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 35 

fatigue, I used rigorous fasting. The doctor who 
attended my mother was moved with compas- 
sion, and insisted I should no longer go on with 
what he called sacrificing my life. He spoke 
to Mrs. Legh, my godmother, who came next 
day in her chariot to see my mother, and to see 
that a proper servant, and all needful attendants, 
should be procured immediately. I was now 
freed from my happy toil, about eight months 
after I undertook it; namely, in August, 1775. 
But it was then nearly too late ; my health had 
received such a wound, as it did not recover in 
many years. 

Outward opposition now began to abate ; and 
many of my opposers were at peace with me. 
And now also the Lord began to reveal in my 
heart that sin was not all destroyed : for though 
I had constant victory over it, yet I felt the re- 
mains of anger, pride, self-will, and unbelief often 
rising, which occasioned a degree of heaviness 
and sorrow. At first I was much amazed to feel 
such things, and often tempted to think I had 
lost a measure of grace : yet when I looked to 
my Lord, or whenever I approached him in se- 
cret, he shed his precious love abroad, and bore 
witness also with my spirit, that I was still his 
child. Yea, and at this time I received many 
remarkable answers to prayer, many proofs of 
his undoubted love and goodness to my soul ; 
and I ever felt I would rather die than ofTend 
him ; so that I was a mystery to myself ! I re- 
solved, however, to use more self-denial of all 
kinds, and, whatever it cost me with respect to 



36 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

health or life, more fasting and prayer : for I 
hoped by these means to mortify and starve the 
evil tempers and propensities of my nature, till 
they should exist no more ; and if my body ex- 
pired in the combat, I thought I was certain of 
endless life. I met with some also who told me, 
nothing but death would end this strife ! that 
this is the Christian's warfare, which cannot end 
but with the life of the body. After some time 
I began to believe these miserable comforters, 
and of consequence, longed for nothing so much 
as to die ; yea, I was impatient to be gone, that 
I might be freed from sin ; for I truly felt, and 
more so every day, 

" 'Twas worse than death my God to love, 
And not my God alone." 

My body was reduced now to a very weak 
state, and I was pronounced far gone in a con- 
sumption, which I esteemed blessed tidings. I 
looked on myself as one that had done with 
earth ; and cried, " O that I had wings like a 
dove, for then I would flee away and be at rest." 
Yea, so desirous was I to quit the vale of sin, as 
I called it, here below, that I could not be pre- 
vailed on to take any thing which I believed 
would tend to restore my health, and therefore 
continued to decline very rapidly. In the lat- 
ter end of December, I was brought so weak 
that I could not walk about the room without 
help, and soon after took my bed, seeming ap- 
parently on the verge of eternity. One day, 
after sitting up a little, I felt myself so weak, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 37 

that I believed I should rise no more, till my 
soul took its flight to the bosom of Jesus. My 
joy on this occasion was inexpressible ! I beg- 
ged of the Lord strength to go on my knees 
once more ; and in holy triumph committed body 
and soul to him for eternity. I believed my 
work on earth quite finished ; and was filled 
with assurance that the moment of death would 
be to me the beginning of endless glory ; a 
taste of which I then felt, a drop out of the 
ocean ; a beam darted from the unclouded Sun 
of righteousness, which quite penetrated and 
overwhelmed my soul, and left me -in speechless 
rapture at his feet ! Yes, I have ever believed 
that what I then felt was what those feel and 
experience on leaving the body, who are really 
dying in the Lord ! But infinite Wisdom saw 
good to lengthen out the thread of life ; and I 
have often believed it was in answer to the 
prayers of his dear children. 

A few weeks after this, I felt a degree of dis- 
appointment and sorrow, on finding a measure 
of returning strength : just like a mariner, who, 
having got within sight of a desired port, is beat- 
en back again into a tempestuous ocean. One 
of my cousins coming to see me, recommended a 
strengthening medicine, which I was unwilling 
to use, and told him I would rather die than 
live. He sharply rebuked me for this ; saying, 
You set up your own will, while you pretend to 
submit to the will of God, and by not taking 
proper medicines you are a murderer ! I wept 
and said, I think I am resigned. He asked, Are 



38 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

you willing to live forty years, if the Lord please ? 
I found a shrinking at the thought, and felt I 
could not at that moment say I was willing. 
He left me, but his words made a deep impres- 
sion. I fell on my knees as soon as left alone, 
and cried, Lord, perfectly subdue my will. — 
That promise was applied with much sweetness, 
" Ask what thou wilt and it shall be done unto 
thee." I felt assuredly, my Lord permitted me 
to ask life or death, and was brought to a stand. 
I felt a thousand fears suggested, that if I lived, 
I might lose what I now enjoyed of the love of 
God ; and perhaps be one day a dishonour to his 
cause. But I said, Lord, thy grace is ever suf- 
ficient ; thou art as able to keep me a thousand 
years as one day ! Again it was suggested, if 
thou livest, it will be to suffer. I cried, Lord, 
thou canst give me suffering grace ; and if by 
suffering, I can in any wise glorify thee, " not 
as I will, but as thou wilt." I know to die now 
would be instant glory ! But here I am ; do with 
me whatever thou wilt ! thou knowest all things, 
and seest at one glance, past, present, and future. 
One request only, therefore, will I make ; if thou 
knowest my life would glorify thee, I submit to 
thy will ; willing to suffer, or to do ! But, if thou 
foreseest I should, in living, lose any measure of 
what thou hast bestowed, Lord, suffer me not to 
live any longer. Or if, hereafter, at any time, 
thou seest a danger of my heart departing from 
thee, O snatch me to thy bosom ; and let me not 
live a moment longer than I live wholly for thee. 
And now, Lord my God, I vow and promise 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 39 

unto thee, I will henceforth entirely renounce 
my own will respecting life or death ! I leave it 
fully in thy hands and to thy pleasure, to take me 
now, or to spare me twenty, thirty, yea, forty 
years ; or as long as thou seest my life will bring 
glory to thee, and profit to immortal souls ; re- 
lying on thy faithful promise given me this day, 
that what " I ask shall be done ;" and account- 
ing it a solemn covenant between me and thee : 
that whensoever thou seest me about to be over- 
come by trial§, by temptations, or snares, so that 
I shall in heart or life depart from thee, or wound 
thy cause ; that then thou wilt put in thy sickle, 
and gather me home ; yea, if even at that time 
I should be so foolish as to desire life ! — Amen 
and amen. What I felt of heaven, of God, of 
love, at that season, cannot be expressed. I had 
communion with my Lord, as if face to face ; 
and could henceforth choose nothing but his will. 
From this day forth I speedily recovered 
strength ; and in a few weeks was enabled to 
attend some of the means of grace. The Lord 
was pleased to make the preaching of Dr. Wright 
a great blessing to me. He clearly explained 
the nature of salvation from inbred sin ; showed 
it to be as freely promised in Scripture, and as 
fully purchased by the blood of Jesus, as pardon. 
Also, that though sanctiflcation in believers is a 
gradual work, yet the death of sin is instanta- 
neous, and to be obtained by faith alone ; just in 
like manner as justification. He recommended 
Mr. Wesley's Plain Account, and Farther 
Thoughts on Christian Perfection; and Mr. 



40 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Fletcher's Polemical Essay, especially his Ad- 
dress in the end of it to imperfect believers. 
These yet further opened my eyes respecting 
that great salvation ; and for reading them I shall 
praise God to all eternity. I now was power- 
fully convinced, that whenever sin is totally de- 
stroyed, it is done in a moment. From hence 
I could not rest, but cried to the Lord night and 
day, to cast out the strong man, and all his ar- 
mour of unbelief and sin : assured that the pow- 
er of the living God, and not death, must be the 
executioner ; the blood of Jesus the procuring 
cause ; and faith the only instrument. I had a 
deeper sense of my impurity than ever ; and 
though by grace I was restrained from giving 
way outwardly, yet I felt such inward impa- 
tience, pride, fretfulness, and, in short, every ill 
temper, that at times I could truly say, I was 
weary and heavy laden. 

I here transcribe a brief extract from my 
journal, kept at the time, as it will most clearly 
describe the language of my heart. 

Thursday, January 18th, 1776, I was much 
comforted by a manifest answer to prayer. 
Afterward, reading three of Mr. Fletcher's Let- 
ters to his Parishioners was a great blessing. 
Yet in the evening I found many wanderings, 
and much deadness ; I felt dissatisfied with my- 
self, and all around me, and knew not why. It 
might in some measure be owing to the indis- 
position of my body, but I fear it was more 
owing to the evil of my corrupt heart. O when 
shall I be holy ? 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 41 

Friday, 19. — I have been greatly tried in- 
wardly and outwardly, though I have had some 
refreshing visits of love ; but I feel many evil 
tempers, much self-will that would not be con- 
tradicted, though none saw it but the Lord; 
peevishness, pride, and unbelief greatly distress- 
ed me. My cry was this evening, " Create in 
me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right 
spirit within me." And in private prayer I was 
blessed in a wonderful manner. I lay at the feet 
of my Lord, as clay in the hands of the potter, 
only beseeching him to stamp me with his love- 
ly image. 

Thursday, 25. — The Lord shows me more 
than ever, I must be made holy before death : 
and this day I can say, " As the hart panteth 
after the water brook," so thirsteth my soul for 
the perfect love of God. O may I never rest 
till I have received this blessing ! Lord, I have 
in this respect been a trifler ; I have been too 
easy, too lukewarm, while thy enemies have had 
a lurking place in my heart ! O forgive me, 
and help me to be more in earnest! Those 
words were applied, while engaged in wrestling 
prayer, "All I have is thine !" And is not this 
salvation from sin His gift ? It is, and shall be 
mine. 

" joyful sound of gospel grace, 
Christ shall in me appear ; 
I, even I, shall see his face, 
I shall be holy here." 

Saturday, 27. — Mr. Wesley's Plain Account 
of Christian Perfection was this day a greater 



42 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

blessing than before : how very ignorant, how 
stupid have I been, respecting this great salva- 
tion ; and even yet I seem to know nothing. 
Lord, teach me, and save me fully. I find while 
pressing after entire purity, my communion with 
God increases, and I have more power to do 
his will. 

Friday, February 2. — I awoke several times 
in the night, praying for sanctiflcation. O the 
depth of unbelief and of pride ! And these seem 
only the roots of many other evil branches. O 
my God, I feel my heart as a den of thieves ! 
I loathe myself, but O ! I fall — a leper at thy 
feet. I believe " the blood of Jesus Christ 
cleanseth from all sin." But when I would 
come to the fountain, I seem all ignorance and 
helplessness. Lord, teach and strengthen me, 
for thy mercies' sake ! 

Saturday, 3. — I have had deep communion 
with my God, and much power at a throne of 
grace. I have a clear evidence of his pardoning 
love, and want nothing but his whole image 
stamped on my heart. 

Thursday, 8. — I was greatly comforted this 
morning in spreading open the word of God on 
my knees, and praying for a conformity to it. 
I opened on 1 Thess. v, 16-ult. I see what is 
there required, in the very salvation my soul 
needs. O how is it summed up in that prayer 
of the apostle : " Now the very God of peace 
sanctify you wholly : and I pray God your 
whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved 
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 43 

Christ." And would St. Paul pray for what 
they could not obtain 1 O no ! he believed that 
they should be both sanctified and preserved 
blameless ; for he says, " Faithful is he who hath 
called you, and who also will do it." Amen, 
Lord ! Let me, thy worthless creature, prove the 
truth of this word for Jesus' sake. 

On the morning of February 22, I awoke 
poorly in body, and felt a strange hardness on 
my heart, and a great backwardness to private 
prayer. Satan told me if I prayed, it would 
be only solemn mockery ; for my body would so 
weigh down my soul, that while my words flew 
up, my thoughts would remain below, and I 
should obtain no blessing. But I cried, " Lord, 
help me," and fell instantly on my knees ; for a 
few moments my ideas were all distraction ; but 
the mighty God spoke to the troubled ocean, 
" Peace, be still !" and there followed a great 
calm throughout my soul. My intercourse was 
now opened with my beloved, and various pro- 
mises presented to my believing view. I thought, 
Shall I now ask small blessings only of my God ? 
Lord, cried I, make this the moment of my full 
salvation ! Baptize me now with the Holy 
Ghost, and the fire of pure love. Now " make 
me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit with- 
in me." Now enter thy temple, and cast out 
sin for ever. Now, cleanse the thoughts, de- 
sires, and propensities of my heart, and let me 
perfectly love thee. But here Satan raised all 
his force of temptations to oppose me ; suggest- 
ing to me, I had not been long enough justified ; 



44 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

I had more to suffer first, &c. And my views 
not being yet clear in the nature of this bless- 
ing, gave the enemy an advantage. For I 
thought when fully saved from sin, I could suf- 
fer no more ; feel no more pain ; make no more 
mistakes ; my judgment and memory would be 
perfect, and I should feel temptation no more ! 
Therefore this suggestion, that I had to suffer 
much first, had the more plausibility. But in 
that moment I received light from above, and 
cried, " Lord, till my heart is renewed, I cannot 
suffer as I ought : give me perfect love, and I can 
then bear all things !" " But," said Satan, " if 
this blessing were given, thou wouldst soon lose 
it again, in such and such trials which lie before 
thee : get past those trials first, and then come 
for this blessing." But I cried, " Lord, I cannot 
stand those trials without it. O purify my heart, 
that I may be able to stand in the trying hour ! 
If I face my subtle enemies, while I have a 
traitor within, ever ready to betray me into their 
hands, how shall I be able to stand ?" But if 
that " strong man armed, be cast out with all 
his armour," how much more able shall I be to 
contend with my outward enemies ? Many other 
temptations were presented : but I cried so much 
the more, " Lord, save me !" And the Lord 
gave me that promise, "I will circumcise thy 
heart, and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart," &c. I said, " Lord, thou art 
faithful, and this is thy word ; I cast my whole 
soul upon thy promise : make known thy faith- 
fulness, by performing it on my heart. Circum- 






MRS. HESTER AXX ROGERS. 45 

cise it now, fill it now with thy pure love ; sanctify 
every faculty of my soul ; I offer all to thee, I 
give thee all my powers, I take thee, Almighty 
Jesus, for my wisdom, my righteousness, my 
sanctification." Now " cleanse me from all my 
filthiness and from all my idols ; take away the 
heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh." 
I come empty to be filled ; deny me not. It 
would be for thy own glory to save me now ; for 
how much better could I serve thee ! It is true, 
I have no plea but thy mercy ! the blood of Jesus, 
thy promise, and my own great need. O save 
me fully, by an act of free grace ! Thou hast 
said, " He that belie veth shall be saved :" I now 
take thee at thy word : I do by faith cast my- 
self on thy promise. I venture my soul on thy 
veracity ; thou canst not deny ! Being pur- 
chased by thy blood, thy justice is engaged : 
being promised without money and without 
price, thy truth is bound : thus every attribute 
of my God secures it to me. 

Ah ! why did I ever doubt his willingness, 
when he gave Jesus ! Gave him to " destroy 
the works of the devil ; — to make an end of sin !" 
The hinderance was in me, not him. He de- 
sired to make me holy, but unbelief hid it from 
my eyes ; accursed sin ! But now, Lord, I do 
believe ; this moment thou dost save. Yea, 
Lord, my soul is delivered of her burden. I am 
emptied of all ; I am at thy feet, a helpless, 
worthless worm : but I take hold of thee as my 
fulness ! Every thing that I want, thou art. 
Thou art wisdom, strength, love, holiness : yes, 



46 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

and thou art mine ! I am conquered and subdued 
by love. Thy love sinks me into nothing ; it 
overflows my soul. O, my Jesus, thou art all 
in all ! In thee I behold and feel all the fulness 
of the Godhead mine. I am now one with God ; 
the intercourse is open ; sin, inbred sin, no longer 
hinders the close communion, and God is all my 
own! 

the depth of solid peace my soul now felt ! 
But not so much rapturous joy as at justification. 
It was 

" The sacred awe, which dares not move ; 
And all the silent heaven of love !" 

Yet when I rose from my knees, Satan once 
more assaulted me with, " Thou art going to face 
various trials, and a frowning world ; thou wilt 
soon lose this blessing." But instantly that 
scripture was given me, " He that keepeth Is- 
rael neither slumbereth nor sleepeth : the Lord 
himself is thy keeper ! It is even he that shall 
preserve thy soul : the Lord shall preserve thy 
going out and thy coming in, from this time 
forth and for evermore." — " Lord," said I, " I 
feel my own insufficiency ; I can do nothing ; 
I can resist nothing ; but I commit the powers 
of my soul, the avenues of my heart, to thy 
keeping." Again he graciously applied, " Bless- 
ed is she that believed ; for there shall be a 
performance of those things which were told 
her from the Lord." " My God," said I, " it is 
enough! My soul does trust thee, and I will 
praise thee." 

1 now walked in the unclouded light of his 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 47 

countenance ; " rejoicing evermore, praying 
without ceasing, and in every thing giving 
thanks." I resolved, however, at first, I would 
not openly declare what the Lord had wrought ; 
but it was seen in my countenance ; and when 
asked respecting it, I durst not deny the wonders 
of his love ! I soon found that repeating his 
goodness, confirmed my own faith more and 
more. And so did the Lord bless me in declar- 
ing it, (yea, and blessed others also,) that I was 
constrained to witness to all who feared him : 

"His blood can make the foulest clean : 
His blood avail'd for me." 

I dared not to live above a moment at a time ; 
and that moment by faith in the Son of God. I 
never felt till now the full meaning of those 
words : " In him we live, and move, and have 
our being." And again, " I will dwell in them, 
and walk in them, and be their God : I will put 
my laws into their minds, and write them in their 
hearts." Glory be to my God, I felt it written 
there : it was no longer I that lived, but Christ 
that lived in me ! 

" Yea, Christ was all in all to me ; 
And all my heart was love." 

Friday, 23. — Glory, honour, and eternal praise, 
be to the God of love, for ever and ever! His 
own arm hath brought salvation to my feeble, 
helpless soul. I am now wholly his ! I do love 
the Lord my God with all my heart, and soul, 
and sffength. I am nothing, and Jesus is my 



48 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

all. The enemy often suggests, " Thou wilt 
soon lose the blessing : thou canst not stand 
long." But my heart answers, I will hang upon, 
and trust my God, as long as I have any being ; 
and I know he will supply a feeble worm with 
power! I have also opened on many sweet 
promises to-day. I find momentarily power now 
to pray and believe : yea, I live by faith ! 

Saturday, 24. — Last night and this morning I 
had deep communion with my God. I feel I am 
indeed one with Christ, and Christ is one with 
me : I dwell in Christ, and Christ in me. O 
blessed union with him my soul loveth! And 
the more I feel of his great love, the more I 
sink at his feet in humbling views of my own 
nothingness ; and here it is I would ever lie ; 
this is my own place : Jesus alone is exalted ; 
and I, a poor sinner, saved from sin ! 

Sunday, 25. — Glory be to God for the best 
sabbath I ever knew ! My body was so very 
weak and poorly, I could not go to preaching ; 
but the Lord was with me, and gave me fresh 
discoveries of my own emptiness and poverty, 
and of his abundant fulness. Those words were 
also powerfully applied, " Now ye are clean 
through the words which I have spoken unto 
you : abide in me and I in you : as the branch 
cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the 
vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me." 
I also feel that gracious promise mine : " If ye 
abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shalJ 
ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.' 
O the condescension of God to a poor worm 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 49 

What a grant is this ! My soul draws near and 
humbly asks, 

" Enlarge my faith's capacity, 
Wider and yet wider still 
Then with all that is in thee 
My soul for ever fill." 

Thursday, 29. — I was so happy that I could 
not sleep in the night. O what deep communion 
did my soul enjoy with God ! It was, indeed, 
a foretaste of heaven itself. This morning I 
prayed for a portion of Scripture to be impressed 
on my heart, that should abide with, comfort and 
direct me all the day, and I opened on, " Know 
ye not that your bodies are the temples of the 
Holy Ghost, which is in you ? and ye are not 
your own, for ye are bought with a price ; there- 
fore glorify God with your body, and with your 
spirit, which are God's." Sweet portion ! O my 
blessed Lord, I rejoice that I am thy purchased 
property, and not my own ; and to thee I gladly 
yield body, soul, and spirit. 

March 5. — For some days it has been a sea- 
son of outward trials with me ; but I have en- 
joyed fellowship with God, and great inward 
comforts. I have ever found, when he gives 
peculiar grace, he permits it to be tried ; but I 
prove " as my day is, so is my strength," Yes, 
glory to his name alone, I am more than con- 
quer er ! and feel it the constant language of my 
heart, 

" No cross, no suffering I decline, 
Only let all my heart be thine." 
4 



50 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Sunday, 10. — Mr. Simpson preached from 
" The kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; 
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost." O the blessedness of this inward 
kingdom ! With streaming eyes, and heart over- 
flowing with love, I could claim this portion 
mine ; mine in possession, and mine for ever ! 
O Lord, how shall I praise thee ! 

" Nothing else will I know, in my journey below, 
But singing thy grace, to thy paradise go !" 

Thursday, 28. — After a blessed season of 
communion with God, in secret prayer this 
morning, I went with my mother to spend the 
day at Adlington. Every thing I saw there, in 
house or garden, contributed to fill my happy 
soul with praise. In such and such a spot, I 
would say to myself, have I poured out my soul 
in deep distress unto the Lord ; and in such a . 
place he darted a ray of comfort, and bade me 
go forward. O my Lord, what hast thou done 
for a worthless worm, since these seasons of 
weeping penitence ! Then I sowed in tears, but 
now I reap in joy. " O what shall I render unto 
the Lord for all his benefits !" I have nothing. 
My all is thine already. A poor offering. But, 

u Poor as it is, 'tis ail my store ; 
More thou shouldst have, if I had more." 

Some time after this, I called upon Sarah 
Oldham, and found her just on the borders of 
Canaan. It was animating to be near her ! She 
requested us to sing, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 51 

" Gladly would I flee away ; 
Loose from earth, no longer stay ;" &c. 

When we ceased, she cried, " O sweet ! O com- 
fortable ! I thank you." I asked her, " Have 
you any doubts or fears of landing safe ?" She 
said, " O no ! not one doubt." I asked her a 
few other questions, which she answered to my 
great satisfaction. Two days after this, clapping 
her hands together in an ecstasy of joy, she took 
her flight to glory ! Her last words were, " My 
Lord and my God." 

On Monday, April 1st, Mr. Wesley came to 
Macclesfield, and I saw and conversed with him 
for the first time. He behaved to me with pa- 
rental tenderness, and greatly rejoiced in the 
Lord's goodness to my soul ; encouraged me to 
hold fast, and to declare what the Lord had 
wrought. On Wednesday morning he set off 
for Manchester. He thinks me consumptive ; 
but welcome life, or welcome death, for Christ 
is mine. 

Tuesday, June 4. — I find great weakness of 
body, but much of the divine presence, and re- 
signed longings for immortality. I was at five 
o'clock preaching this morning, and there the 
Lord shed his love abroad, and all day I have 
had such a solemn nearness to him, as I cannot 
describe. I called on one who, in the arms of 
death, is rejoicing in redeeming love. Her will 
perfectly resigned, and her evidence clear for a 
glorious eternity. What a sight ! O Jesus, this is 
thy victory ! O Satan, how art thou conquered ! 

Tuesday, July 6. — My weakness of body 



52 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

seems to increase ; and so does my union with 
Him my soul loveth. I was so happy in the 
night, that I had little sleep, and awoke several 
times, with those words deeply impressed, " The 
temple of an indwelling God." His love hum- 
bles me in the dust ; it seems as a mirror to 
discover my nothingness. Sometimes my weak- 
ness of body seems quite overpowered with the 
Lord's presence manifested to my soul ; and I 
have thought I could bear no more and live. 
But then I eagerly cry, " O give me more and 
let me die ! I long to be freed from earth ; but 
I am resigned to live and suffer here." I found 
the following lines, which I received with some 
others, very reviving : — 

" My Dear Sister, — I fear I shall hardly see 
you again till we meet in paradise. But if you 
should gradually decay, if you be sensible of the 
hour approaching when your spirit is to return 
to God, I should be glad to have notice of it. It 
is a comfort ; to die is not to be lost ! 

* To earth-born pain superior you shall rise 
Through the wide waves of unopposing skies : 
When summon'd hence, ascend heaven's high abode, 
Converse with angels, and rejoice in God.' 

Tell me, how far does the corruptible and de- 
caying body press down the soul ? Your disorder 
naturally sinks the spirits, and occasions heavi- 
ness and dejection. Can you, notwithstanding 
this, rejoice evermore ? I shall be glad to know 
if you experience something similar to what Mr. 
De Renty expresses in those strong words : ' I 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 53 

bear about with me an experimental verity, and 
a plenitude of the presence of the ever blessed 
Trinity V Do you commune with God in the 
night season 1 Does he bid you even in sleep 
go on 1 And does he make your very dreams 
devout ? That he may fill you with all his ful- 
ness, is the constant wish of," &c. 

I praise my God, who enables me, in a degree, 
to understand the above, and to answer those 
deep questions in the affirmative. 

Wednesday, September 11. — This day I have 
had much pain and weakness of body, but my 
peace has been as a river : O that my righteous- 
ness may be as the waves of the sea ! My uncle 
hath disowned my three cousins on account of 
hearing the Methodists. My cousins R. and J. 
are steadfast and more happy in God than ever. 
Poor C. has given up Christ for the world, and 
is therefore restored to the favour of his earthly 
parent. But O ! how will he appear when earth 
and heaven shall flee away ! Lord, make it a 
warning to me, that I may w T atch and pray, and 
implore help every moment. 

Sunday, 22. — As I returned from preaching, 
I called on Mary Etchels, who is in the last 
stage of a dropsy, just ready to wing her way 
to eternal glory. She has been a backslider in 
heart for some years ; but in her long affliction 
has returned unto the Lord, with weeping, 
mourning, and supplication. Nor did she weep 
in vain ; the Lord hearkened, and spoke peace 
to her soul some weeks since ; and this day 
she told me she has received the witness of be- 



54 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

ing cleansed from all sin, so that now she is full 
of love and joy. Her cry is, " O how I long to 
be with Jesus ! Why are his chariot wheels so 
long in coming ? O for patience till my Jesus 
comes !" She took hold of my hand after I had 
prayed with her, and said, " O what precious 
sights do I see ! such glory, such glory, I can- 
not utter it !" Soon after her happy spirit fled 
to its eternal rest. 

Monday,. Oct. 14. — In the night (for I could 
not sleep) it was a convenient season between 
God and my happy soul. And I since find the 
bonds of divine union more strong than ever. 
This has been a blessed day ! His work, his 
ways, his word, are my delight. I live by faith ; 
and all hard things are become easy. I can 
praise him in every conflict : but I feel I could 
bear nothing, could do nothing, without Jesus. 
All my dependance is on Him who supplies the 
power I want every moment ; and I can truly say, 

" With every coming hour I prove 
His nature, and his name is love." 

Tuesday, 16. — I am still kept in various trials. 
This day the following letter was sent, as if of 
God, to strengthen me : — 

" My Dear Sister, — -The trials which a 
gracious Providence sends, or permits, may be 
so many means of growing in grace ; and par- 
ticularly of increasing in faith, patience, and 
resignation. And are they not all chosen for us 
by infinite wisdom and goodness 1 So that we 
may well subscribe to those beautiful lines : 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 55 

* With patient mind thy course of duty run ; 
God nothing does or suffers to be done 
But thou vvouldst do thyself, if thou couldst see 
The end of all events as well as he.' 

Every thing we can do for a parent, we ought ; 
that is, every thing we can do without killing 
ourselves ; but this we have no right to do : our 
lives are not at our own disposal. Remember 
this, and do not carry a good principle too far. 
Do you still find, 

* Labour is rest, and pain is sweet, 
When thou, my God art here ?' 

I know pain or grief does not interrupt your 
happiness ; but does it not lessen it ? You often 
feel sorrow for your friends : does that sorrow 
rather quicken than depress your soul ? Does it 
sink you deeper into God ? Go on in the strength 
of the Lord. Be careful for nothing. Live to- 
day. So will you still be a comfort to yours 
affectionately." 

Friday, Nov. 8. — My body is very weak ; but 
when my strength and my heart fail, I feel God 
is the strength of my heart, and my portion for 
ever. Reading a portion of Scripture with 
prayer every day, is, and has been, a great 
blessing to my soul. Often have I found, through 
this means, direction in difficulties, comfort in 
trials, and heavenly teachings in the way to 
glory. And the scriptures I so read are im- 
pressed with such divine unction on my heart, 
as makes them lasting food and nourishment to 
my soul. 



56 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Feb. 12, 1777. — Every day I experience more 
fully that God is love, and his service perfect 
freedom. What solid bliss is it to be delivered 
from all dependance on creatures, and to hang 
by faith upon the immutable God ! To know 
this God is mine : to feel he dwell eth in my 
heart, ruleth my will, my affections, my tempers, 
my desires : to know he loveth me ten thousand 
times better than I love him ! O it is unspeak- 
able salvation! 

Feb. 22. — One year this day I have been 
wholly the Lord's ; and he has kept sole posses- 
sion of my willing heart. Yes, thou hast been 
my strength, my refuge, my guide, and my mer- 
ciful God: my portion, my treasure, and my 
whole delight. One year I have loved thee with 
all my heart, and thou hast reigned without a 
rival. And now, O my Father, Saviour, Com- 
forter, I give myself afresh to thee. 

" Take my soul and body's powers, 
Take my memory, mind, and will ; 
All my goods, and all my hours, 
All I know, and all I feel : 
Thine while I live, thrice happy I, 
Happier still, if thine I die." 

On Sept. 14, 1778, there was a very awful 
earthquake. The new church in Macclesfield 
(where I then was) rocked like a cradle, and 
nearly threw some of the people, then kneeling, 
on their faces. And the noise, for a few mo- 
ments, was like thunder. The scene that ensued 
was truly an emblem of that day, "when all 
faces shall gather paleness ; and many shall cry 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 57 

to the rocks and mountains, Fall on us," &c. 
Some believed that the church was falling at the 
steeple end ; and therefore flew in crowds to the 
opposite doors, shrieking and crying for mercy. 
Some fainted, and were trampled nearly to death ; 
others much bruised ; and some did not recover 
the fright. But 0, unspeakable grace ! my soul 
was kept calm, for I feared not to die. That 
scripture was brought to my mind : " Yet once 
more, and I shake not the earth only, but also 
heaven." And I was enabled to exhort those 
around to be still, and look unto the God of 
grace for salvation, which they had too long neg- 
lected. Many were deeply awakened by this 
awful providence ; and never found rest after- 
ward, till they found it in the pardoning love of 
a blessed Redeemer. And some who may date 
their conversion from that day, will, I believe, 
be eternal monuments of grace. 

Many are my symptoms of mortality ; but 
God is love, and bears my happy soul far above 

"All sin, and temptation, and pain." 

I long for his leave to depart and be with Christ ; 
but wait in humble resignation at his feet, till all 
his will be done. 

Though much indisposed, I went to church ; 
and there, in partaking of the blessed sacrament, 
I had such union and intercourse with the Holy 
Trinity, as is unspeakable ! blessed foretaste of 
drinking the new wine in my Father's king- 
dom. Yes, these are the streams, but that is 
the fountain. 



58 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Friday, June 18, 1780. — I have been closely 
tried for a few days past, by near and dear rela- 
tives ; but in God I have deep peace, and can 
say, " All his will is welcome, all pain before 
his presence flies ! Compared with his love, 
how trifling is all I suffer ! Am I not a brand 
plucked from eternal burnings ! and the few 
moments of my existence here are all the mo- 
ments of suffering I shall ever know ! yea, and 
these light afflictions, even as I pass through 
them, are working out for me ' a far more ex- 
ceeding and eternal weight of glory.' " 

Monday, December 18. — I had a day of many 
blessings in visiting the sick. I called at John 
Barber's, and found his wife's mother danger- 
ously ill. This poor old Pharisee, now upward 
of fourscore years old, would never listen to the 
calls of God, or be persuaded that she needed 
to be born again. But now the Lord has laid 
his hand upon her soul as well as her body. 

Some time after I called again, and found she 
had been incessantly crying for mercy. When 
I now spoke to her, she cried out, " The Lord 
will save me ; but O pray !" I did so : and then 
asking, " How do you now feel ?" she said, with 
uncommon earnestness, " I shall soon rejoice in 
Him : he will forgive my sins !" Soon after she 
cried aloud, " Lord, I hope thou wilt soon forgive 
me ! Lord, thou art forgiving me ! nay, Lord, 
thou hast forgiven me !" After this, she con- 
tinued exceedingly happy for five days, and 
then exchanged mortality for life ! 

Tuesday, 19. — I called upon that old saint, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 59 

Thomas Barber, who was seized the day before 
with a malignant fever. I asked him, " Is the 
Lord precious to your soul ?" He said, " He is 
all love ; I shall soon be with him." It seems 
worth remarking here, that this good old man had 
prayed and agonized with God for many years, 
that his aged wife might see his salvation ; and 
also that she might be first taken home. His 
request was granted in both these respects. A 
little before her death, the Lord revealed his sal- 
vation to her heart ; and for some days she bore 
testimony of his love, often repeating, " Thy rod 
and thy staff comfort me." Just before she de- 
parted, having taken an affectionate leave of her 
husband and children, she cried aloud, " Now, 
Lord, thou art mine for ever and ever !" When 
her breath was gone, her husband said, " Now, 
Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, 
according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen 
thy salvation." And from that time his body 
was perceived to fail. 

Thursday, 21. — I found him very ill, but very 
happy. Yet he told me, " I have been tempted 
to fear patience will not hold out in all this pain, 
for I feel as if every limb was tearing asunder 
from my body : but I know God is all sufficient." 
I called again ; he told me, " My pain has been 
extreme, but I feel the presence of God continu- 
ally : and I sensibly know, he is as near to me 
as I am to myself. Whether I die at this time 
or recover, my will is wholly resigned : but I 
know if he calls me now, I shall go to glory." 
In the afternoon his every breath was prayer or 



60 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

praise ; and all his attention manifestly taken up 
with heavenly things. To the doctor he said, 
" It is of more consequence that you should re- 
pent, than that I should recover ; for if I die I 
shall go to God ; but if you do not repent you 
will perish : * You must be born again.' " 

Saturday, 23. — His dissolution evidently drew 
near. He was sometimes a little delirious ; yet 
of God and spiritual things he spoke clearly and 
scripturally, and prayed without ceasing. In the 
evening he broke out in the most solemn man- 
ner, and repeated several times, " Christ is God ! 
Christ is God ! God out of Christ is a consuming 
fire !" On being asked how he did, he said, "I 
am going to the heavenly Canaan, that promised 
land for which I set out long ago." While the 
doctor spoke to him of his body, he regarded 
not, but told him, "lam not afraid to die." And 
then, with lifted hands, prayed that all around 
him, and especially his children, might follow 
him to glory. When I asked him, a little after 
this, " Do you now feel God graciously near ?" 
he said, (looking with a solemn steadfastness in 
his countenance, as if he saw something,) " His 
spiritual presence is here !" and bursting into a 
flood of tears, cried, "I am full of God! His 
glory fills my soul !" Another asked him, " Have 
you any doubts ?" He answered, " I have not the 
least doubt upon my mind but I shall reign with 
him in glory !" Late that night I called again, 
wishing to see him once more, and though de- 
lirious just before, when one said, " Here is Miss 
Roe ;" he hastily put out his hand and said, " May 



11*0, 11 Bfl I 'Kit A.N.N ROGJBU. 61 

God blesa you." This was liis last, address to 
me; and he spoke; but little afterward. At nine 
the next morning, I found him speechless, and 
in a dying state; but quite composed, and just 
as if falling into a sweet Bleep. Mr. Simpson 

came iii, and wont to prayer with him ; hut he 

appeared insensible to all below. The power 

of God, however, rested OH all present in an 

abundant manner; and in about an hour after- 
ward he expired without a si<rh or a groan. 

Friday, 29. — Late this evening, my cousin 
Robert Roe arrived with the corpse oi his bro- 
ther Samuel, who died at Leek, on his way home 
from Bristol. There was great hope; in the end 

of this once gay young man. My cousins Wil- 
liam, and Margaret, also arrived from Liver- 
pool : O that this solemn season may be sanc- 
tified to all his weeping relatives and friends! 

and may those who partook of the follies that 

employed his youthful years, take the awful 
warning, and seek that acquaintance with Jesus 

IB life, which he felt so much need of in his 
last hours ! 

March 27, 1781. — This day, at my uncle 

Roe's, 1 saw Mr. Rogers for the first time. He 

and Mr. JJardsloy are come over from Sheffield 

to see cousin Robert, who respects Mr. Rogers 
much, having received good from his preaching 

at Leeds. We had a blessed season in prayer 

together; and cousin Margaret Roe, in particu- 
lar, Seemed stirred up and comforted. Afterward 
we called on that dying saint, David Pickford ; 
who witnessed a good confession of the love of 



62 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Jesus, which he has felt experimentally for these 
thirty-six years ; and proves him yet faithful. 
At night, Mr. Rogers preached from, " You that 
are troubled, rest with us." And at five o'clock 
next morning, Mr. Bardsley enforced that blessed 
portion, " Fear not, for I am with thee ; be not 
dismayed, for I am thy God," &c. I felt both 
peculiar seasons of divine blessings : and though 
afterward tried at home, it was a day of deep 
consolation. 

April 20. — I was much comforted by hearing 
of the happy death of Ann B., one I formerly 
loved much, and dealt faithfully with. She 
married an unconverted man about a year ago, 
and, in consequence, lost much of her spiritu- 
ality of mind. But the Lord loved her, and sent 
a lingering affliction, — slew the body, but saved 
the soul ! 

Friday, 27. — I have lately experienced more 
kindness and affection from my mother, than for 
some years. O how good is the Lord ! Surely 
with him nothing shall be impossible. My uncle 
Roe is seized dangerously ill, and two physicians 
called in. 

Wednesday, May 2. — There is no hope of my 
uncle's recovery : but he is reconciled to all his 
children, and calls much upon God ! and begs 
of Mr. Simpson, and others, to pray for him. 
Yea, though scarcely able, gets upon his knees 
in bed, to pray for himself. 

Thursday, 3. — As I went to my uncle's this 
morning, I met one of the maids, who told me 
he was dead ! He lay all night quite composed ; 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 63 

but about ten this morning suddenly opened his 
eyes, and fixed them, with seeming delight, on 
some object for several minutes : soon after 
which, he silently breathed away the immortal 
spirit ! and, I have great hope, is escaped to 
endless life. I spent the day chiefly with my 
cousins, and found it a solemn, profitable sea- 
son. Poor cousin Joseph came a few hours after 
his father's decease, having rode on horseback 
two hundred miles in twenty-four hours. 

Tuesday, 8. — In the dusk of the evening my 
uncle's remains were carried in great pomp, by 
his own carriage and horses, to the new church, 
and accompanied by coaches, torches, and avast 
concourse of people ; but the horses, unaccus- 
tomed to be adorned with such trappings as black 
cloth, escutcheons, &c, would hardly proceed. 
He was interred by Mr. Simpson, in the vault 
he had so lately prepared ! Yes, this much- 
feared, and much-loved man, is now committed 
to corruption and worms ! It reminds me of Dr. 
Yoimg's beautiful lines : — 

" An angel's arm can't snatch me from the grave, 
Legions of angels can't confine me there !" 

Tuesday, July 3. — I called on Ann Shrigley, 
who, when I last saw her, was crying for mercy 
in deep distress ; but is now filled with praise, 
and on the verge of a glorious eternity. On 
Friday last, having spoken sharply to her hus- 
band, she was seized with agony of spirit, and 
cried aloud, " Now I am lost for ever : I shall go 
to hell ; there is no mercv for me !" But she 



64 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

wrestled in prayer till she prevailed, and the 
Lord shed his forgiving love abroad in an abun- 
dant manner, and bore his witness with her heart 
that she was born of God. She now told me, " I 
long to be gone. O that all the world knew 
what I feel ! they would soon seek God and 
find him ; for he would save them all. O that 
blessed eternity ! I am going to that blessed 
eternity !" I said, " There we shall meet to part 
no more." She said, " No, never, never part 
more ! we shall be for ever with our Lord. O that 
blessed Saviour ! what has he done for my soul ! 
If my bodily affliction was a thousand times 
heavier than it is, his love would be above all." 
On Monday, 16th, I went with Mr. Simpson, 
who administered to her the blessed memorials 
of a Saviour's dying love ; and we all found it a 
time of the presence and power of God. She 
continued in the same sweet frame of mind till 
her spirit fled away. 

Wednesday. — Cousin F. R. called on me this 
morning, and related her dream, which has 
made a deep impression on her mind, and af- 
fected me much. She thought her father's spirit 
appeared to her and a person who was with her 
in the room where he died ; and that he asked, 
in a most solemn manner, " Are my family and 
children seeking salvation ? I say, are all my 
children and family seeking the full assurance 
of salvation ?" He then disappeared ; but quickly 
came again, as if he was in haste to give them 
warning, lest any of them should defer it till too 
late, and perish in their sins : and asked, " Have 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 65 

all my family found the full assurance of salva- 
tion ?" and added, with the utmost earnestness, 
" Tell them never, never, never to rest till they 
find it ! Do you hear me ? Tell them never, 
never to rest till they have found it !" I forbear 
to mention a few more particulars in this awful 
dream ! those whom it chiefly concerns no doubt 
remember them, as it was kept no secret. O 
may it make lasting impressions on all ! Some 
did take warning ; found that full assurance ; 
witnessed a good confession to all their friends, 
and are now safely lodged in Abraham's bo- 
som : — 

" Far from a world of grief and sin, 
With God eternally shut in P 

After his father's death, my cousin Robert 
determined to settle in Macclesfield ; and for that 
purpose built a good house, conveniently near 
the new church. A lovely situation, and good 
air. When this house was finished, at his earn- 
est request, and by the desire of his aunt, Miss 
S., and several more, my mother undertook to 
keep the house. She rented the whole dwell- 
ing, and he boarded with her. I mention this, 
because it appears a peculiar providence that 
placed me there, to be with this child and ser- 
vant of God in his last moments. From the time 
of his father's death to that of his own, he gave 
himself up to the work of God, as fully as health 
would possibly permit. He boldly and publicly 
preached the gospel in and near Macclesfield ; 
and the Lord bore witness to his word, by 
5 



66 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

awakening, converting, and saving souls. And 
I believe I may safely affirm, that during that 
season he never preached one sermon in vain. 
Sometimes two, three, or four, in one night, 
were deeply awakened ; and once seven ; and 
commonly three or four justified. He was also the 
instrument of many believing to full salvation. 

Friday, Aug. 9. — We removed to my cousin's 
house ; where I enjoyed, for the short season of 
his life, many spiritual privileges. My mother 
also had many opportunities of which she would 
never before partake, both in prayer and Chris- 
tian conversation ; for my cousin had constant 
prayer meetings, bands, &c, under his roof; 
and endeavoured to devote his whole time, ta- 
lents, and substance, to God. But how myste- 
rious are the ways of Providence ! how quickly 
was he called from all this ! 

Tuesday, 20th, he caught a severe cold, which 
terminated in his death. Every help was pro- 
cured, but to no effect. His soul, which long 
panted after holiness, was now deeply distressed 
to feel the power of the all-cleansing blood, and 
the witness of being saved from all sin. He 
called on me many times a day to pray with 
him, and was often greatly comforted ; but no- 
thing less than full salvation would satisfy him. 
Satan at times took advantage of his distracted 
nerves, and suggested terrible fears ; so that 
his conflicts at some seasons were great ; at other 
times he was filled with comfort ; and during the 
whole of his affliction he never expressed the 
least murmuring or impatience. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 67 

Tuesday, 27th, in attempting to walk two or- 
three times across the room, he fainted away ; 
and when recovered, said, " I beg as a particu- 
lar favour, cousin, that you will be with me as 
much as possible ; don't leave me, and God will 
reward you." I seldom did after this. 

September 2. — I rose at five, and going into 
his room, found him awake : he said, " I feel pe- 
culiarly calm, composed, and resigned to the 
will of God ; but have had no sleep : tell me if 
you have not been praying for me ?" I answered, 
"Yes:" he said, " I thought so." Then he desired 
me to open the New Testament, and read the 
verse that first appeared ; I did so, and it was 
this : " For ye are dead, and your life is hid 
with Christ in God ; when Christ, who is our 
life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with, 
him in glory." He was greatly comforted. 
From this time he hastened toward his eternal 
home ! 

Monday, 9. — He settled all his temporal con- 
cerns, and then praised God for having done so, 
and was very happy. But in the night he had 
one more conflict with Satan. I prayed with 
him above an hour : surely it was the most 
solemn season I ever knew. The Lord heard 
and delivered. He fell into a sweet sleep, and 
awoke rejoicing ; yea, triumphing in God. After 
this, he enjoyed the witness of entire sanctifica- 
tion ; and proclaimed to all who came near him, 
the love of his God and Saviour, saying, " Now I 
know by experience that what I have preached 
to others is no cunningly devised fable. I feel 



68 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

now the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin. 
I am now entirely a new creature ! I can love 
the Lord with all my heart, and soul, and 
strength. The enemy tells me, if I get better I 
shall soon lose this : but I believe I shall not ; 
for I know, as long as I have this hold of God, 
nothing will be able to overcome me." In a day 
or two after he was often delirious : yet still, in 
all intervals, was full of happiness, love, pa- 
tience, and resignation, though he suffered much. 

Thursday, 12. — He said, "What a peace do I 
now enjoy ! I feel now, and for some days past, 
what I never felt before. When I am at the 
worst, (and none but God knows what I suffer,) 
my mind is peaceable and happy ; and I have 
not a murmuring or repining thought. I can 
cast all my care on God, as I never could be- 
fore ; and even my helplessness does not dis- 
courage me, for I find his grace sufficient. But 
I see a great fulness yet before me." 

Friday, 13. — When he was taken up to have 
his bed made easy, he would not return to it, 
(though every breath seemed as if it would be 
his last,) till he had given a short account of his 
whole experience from his first setting out. He 
went through all his trials, persecutions, tempt- 
ations, &c. " But now," said he, " I reap the 
blessed fruit ; and I can say, neither my father's 
tears nor severity ; neither hope of preferment, 
nor fear of suffering, ever made me prevaricate, 
or depart from what I believed my duty to God. 
And now I prove him faithful ; he hath said, 
1 Whosoever forsaketh father, or mother, or 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 69 

brothers, or sisters, or houses, or lands, for my 
sake and the gospel's, shall receive a hundred 
fold in this life ; even father and mother, houses 
and lands, &c ; and in the world to come ever- 
lasting life.' This is literally fulfilled in me. 
I forsook all ; and I was restored to my father's 
favour. I have a house, land, &c, in this life ; 
and I am going to everlasting life ! whereas, if I 
had basely complied with my friends' desires, I 
should have possessed no more in this life than 
I now do ; and should have been lying here with 
a guilty conscience, a frowning God, and full of 
horror, in the views of a miserable eternity ! O 
how good it is to give up all for God ! Now I 
feel it, and I shall praise him for ever !" O how 
pleasing was this noble testimony from a dying 
friend, when obliged to gasp for breath between 
every sentence ! He continued for some time 
after this praising God, and recommending all 
his relations and friends to his protection ; the 
particulars of which I omit here, having already 
referred the reader to them in the Magazine.* 

Saturday, 24. — He was quite deranged, yet 
composed, and knew me to the last. At three 
o'clock on Sunday morning death sweats came 
on, and about half past five he fled to his eter- 
nal rest ! All in the room sensibly felt the pre- 
sence of God. Yea, it was as the gate of hea- 
ven, while on our knees we watched the last 
parting breath ! Mr. Simpson preached a funeral 
sermon in the new church, on Sunday, the 29th ; 
and Mr. Rogers at the Methodist chapel. The 

* The Methodist Magazine for 1783-4. 



70 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

former from, " These are they who came out of 
great tribulation, and have washed their robes, 
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." 
The latter from, " Mark the perfect man, and 
behold the upright ; for the end of that man is 
peace." I believe many will remember the 
blessed season to their eternal good. 

In the year following I had another trying 
scene to pass through. Dear Mrs. Rogers, after 
the birth of her little James, never recovered 
her health. Mr. Rogers, being a great deal in 
the country parts of the circuit, I was very much 
with her ; and our love for each other daily in- 
creased. At different times she opened her 
whole heart to me on very tender points ; for 
we were as one soul. For several weeks be- 
fore her death, she entreated me not to leave 
her, when I could possibly help it. But as her 
experience and triumphant death are already 
published, I forbear to enlarge respecting either. 
O, my Lord, let my latter end be like hers ! 

I come now briefly to observe, that after a 
wonderful chain of divine leadings, and remark- 
able providences, (too tedious to dwell upon 
here,) on August 19, 1784, I was married to 
Mr. Rogers, in whom the Lord gave me a help- 
meet indeed ; just such a partner as my weak- 
ness needed to strengthen me. He hath made 
us of one heart and one soul ; and for above 
eight years hath crowned our union with his 
constant smile. 

We spent a week or ten days after our mar- 
riage with my mother; and then hastened to 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 71 

Dublin, where Mr. Rogers was appointed to 
labour. We were gladly received, and the Lord 
gave us the hearts of the people. Our hands 
being thus strengthened of the Lord, we agreed 
solemnly to devote ourselves and our all to him 
and his work. And glory to his name, we saw 
a blessed revival : in three years the society 
increased from about five hundred to eleven 
hundred and upward ; and we had good cause 
to believe above four hundred were converted 
to God. 

In August, 1789, we came over from Dublin 
to see my mother at Macclesfield. Mr. Wes- 
ley, and several preachers with families, also 
coming at the same time to England, we took 
the whole ship. In this passage we were in 
imminent danger, by dashing on a rock called 
the West Mouse. But prayer was made, the 
Lord heard, and wonderfully delivered! We 
landed at Park Gate, and travelled with Mr. 
Wesley to Macclesfield, where my mother re- 
ceived us with great affection. After the Man- 
chester conference, we returned to Dublin, 
where we had left our little boy. We spent 
about a week with our very affectionate friends 
there, and then proceeded to Cork. 

Here also the Lord graciously revived his 
work. His word prospered and prevailed ; and 
we had cause to rejoice, not only over a few 
individuals, but several families, who were added 
to the fold of God. We found three hundred 
and ninety seven members in society ; and left 
six hundred and fifty. In the last year we had 



72 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

some close trials through a few individuals ; but 
our spiritual mercies overbalanced them all. I 
do not know that I ever enjoyed more of the 
Lord's presence than at Cork, except during the 
time of a severe nervous fever, and then the 
cloud was only for a few days ; and that, I 
believe, was merely owing to the body ; for 
though, in a week afterward, all the feelings of 
nature were touched, I felt nothing contrary to 
resignation, patience, or love. 

At the time of which I now speak, my own 
recovery was doubtful. Mr. Rogers (oppressed 
with grief through my illness, and by his atten- 
tion to me night and day) was very ill. James 
had a fever ; the maid was confined with sick- 
ness ; and my little John, six weeks old, in con- 
vulsions, for three days ! Surely, in this scene, 
the Lord magnified his power in supporting my 
weakness, and enabling me then to say, " Good 
is the will of the Lord." - After this season, my 
consolations were abundant ; and my faith, love, 
and communion with God, much deepened. 

I had here some encouraging letters from Mr. 
Wesley. In the last two he mentioned his in- 
tention of removing us to London at the ensuing 
conference. I trembled at the thought of so im- 
portant a charge ; but committed it to God in 
much prayer. And notwithstanding our various 
exercises of body and mind since we came to 
this city, I am certain divine love has mixed 
every cup, and ordered all things well. To be 
with that honoured and much-loved servant of 
God, Mr. Wesley, for five months ; and then to 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 73 

be witnesses of his glorious exit, was a favour 
indeed. But ! how awful the scene ! — how 
unspeakable the loss ! I peculiarly felt it ; being 
then in a weak state, not quite recovered from 
my late sickness. 

The solemnity of the dying hour of that great 
and good man, I believe will be ever written on 
my heart ! Well might Dr. Young say, " The 
chamber where the good man meets his fate, is 
privileged beyond the common walk, of virtuous 
life, quite in the verge of heaven !" A cloud of 
the divine presence rested on all ! and while he 
could hardly be said to be an inhabitant of earth, 
being now speechless, and his eyes fixed, victory 
and glory were written on his countenance, and 
quivering, as it were, on his dying lips ! O could 
he then have spoken, methinks it would have 
been nothing but victory ! victory ! — grace ! 
grace ! — glory ! glory ! No language can paint 
what appeared in that face ! The more we gazed 
upon it, the more we saw of heaven unspeaka- 
ble ! Not the least sign of pain, but a weight of 
bliss. Thus he continued, only his breath grow- 
ing weaker and weaker, till, without a struggle or 
a groan, he left the cumbrous clay behind, and fled 
to eternal life in the bosom of his faithful Lord. 

When I look back on the afflictive scenes we 
have passed through since this trying event, and 
consider we are yet monuments of grace and 
saving power, I am lost in wonder and in love. 
Mr. Rogers, in particular, has been tried as in 
the fire, and exposed, through his office, as a 
mark to shoot at ; yet, through infinite mercy, 



74 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 



I believe he will come out of it all more fully 
purified. I might here enlarge on particulars, 
but shall leave the Lord's faithful servants, as 
well as the instruments of their sufferings, to 
Him who will plead the cause of the innocent, 
and " make all things work together for good to 
them that love God :" praying, with our suffer- 
ing Lord, for those who now persecute him in 
his members, " Father, forgive them, for they 
know not what they do." 

I shall now only observe, as it relates to my 
own experience, that these trying exercises of 
my dear partner have been keenly felt by me. 
And my nervous system, weakened by that dan- 
gerous fever at Cork, has also greatly suffered 
by these things ; which, like " wave upon wave, 
have followed each other !" To this I ascribe 
it chiefly, that a cloud of heaviness has, at some 
seasons, hung upon my mind ; and that Satan 
has taken occasion to suggest, in those times of 
depression, various accusations of short comings 
in zeal, activity, and spiritual joy. I do not 
mean that I was ever left in darkness ; — no : 
since I first consciously received a sense of fa- 
vour with God, I never lost it ; but within two 
years last past, I have not always had so clear 
a witness of perfect love. At other times I have 
had that witness full and clear ; and at all times 
could say, 

" None but Jesus will I know, 
None but him do I desire. 

Whom have I in heaven but thee 1 
Thou art all in all to me !" 






MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 75 

But in nothing else than full salvation, and the 
witness of it, could my soul ever rest. O no ! 
What is past experience without present enjoy- 
ment ? I must feel, or I cannot be happy. 

Sunday, Nov. 11, 1792.— This day it is 
eighteen years since I received the knowledge 
of a reconciled God. O that I were in a deeper 
sense a " mother in Israel !" My Lord has ever 
been faithful to me. In all my persecutions he 
comforted me. In the alluring snares of youth, 
he saved, he kept me. It was by his grace I 
forsook all ; denied myself ease, pleasure, friends : 
and after he had proved me, he gave me easier 
circumstances, and one of the best of earthly 
friends. He has instructed my ignorance, and 
strengthened my weakness. Through various 
scenes, and in outward perplexities, how often 
have I received immediate teaching from God ! 
In travelling from city to city, how have I been 
protected by guardian love, and saved from fear 
and danger on the watery deep ! May I never 
forget the ten thousand proofs of his love in 
Dublin, in Cork, in London ! He hath given 
me favour in the eyes of his children in every 
place, and helped me feebly to serve them. He 
hath given me spiritual children also, some of 
whom are lodged safely in his bosom, and others 
in the way to glory. I have had five lovely 
children in the flesh : and besides these, my dear 
Joseph and Benjamin, left with me in charge, 
and to whom I feel united in all the tenderness 
of parental love ; nor have they ever been want- 
ing in a due return. One (a fine boy) my Lord 



76 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

hath taken to the abodes of bliss ; and for the 
rest, he assures my heart, 

" The children of thy faith and prayer, 
Shall all to thee be given." 

The witness of his perfect love ever shone 
upon my soul, till, for a season, in my nervous 
fever ; but that season past, it shone afresh, and 
continued so to do ; till at intervals in the two 
years past I have not so constantly enjoyed this 
blessing. I have been jealous over myself with 
a godly jealousy, lest anxiety about a multipli- 
city of outward things has too much stolen upon 
me. And lest at other times I have suffered my 
mind to dwell too much on disagreeables. Lest 
I have been less active, less zealous, less spi- 
ritual. Yet I dare not say I have forfeited the 
blessing. But I cannot rest when the witness 
is not clear. I know that much I have felt has 
been temptation, and that Satan has accused 
when my God did not condemn. 

Many also have been my seasons of deep 
consolation ; of deep communion with God 
Many, and remarkable my deliverances, and 
answers to prayer ; and great my divine sup- 
port in every hour of trial. At present I am 
sinking into the arms of love, and I do feel I 
am all the Lord's. Many things that have cru- 
cified my will of late, have been good for me. 
I desire to be crucified with Christ, and that he 
should live alone in me ! I feel he now does ; 
but I long for a yet larger measure of his mind, 
more of every grace, and deeper communion 



MRS. HESTER. AXX ROGERS. 77 

with my God. He does meet me at the throne 
of grace, and all temptations respecting conflicts 
with Satan in death are vanished. I know my 
Joshua will be with me in Jordan, and see me 
safe through. Sometimes I have thought I 
shall have to pass that river before it be long ; 
but that I leave to him. I feel no desires of 
life, except when I see my dear husband op- 
pressed with trials, and my living seems as if 
it would be a help and comfort to him ; or, when 
a silent, resigned wish arises, to see my chil- 
dren grown, and partakers of regenerating grace. 
But I am kept from anxiety. 

I feel grateful to my God that I am placed 
here, (at Spitalfields,) though but for a season : 
where I can enjoy more retirement, and less of 
busy life. My God is with me, and I trust he 
will draw and unite more fully to himself his 
helpless creature ! I have power with him in 
prayer, and I know he will answer my enlarged 
requests, for myself, my other self, and our off- 
spring. We shall be his : I will be his alone. 
This day I consecrate to him my soul and bo- 
dy's powers, my life, my all. May his blessed 
Spirit come and seal me his abode : ratify the 
covenant ; and with the Father and the Son 
dwell for ever in my heart. Amen. O my God, 
I sign myself over to thee ! This solemn hour, 

u My soul and body I resign, 
With joy I render thee 
My all, no longer mine, but thine 
To all eternity." 

Hester Axx Rogers. 



78 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 



A SERMON. 

" It is appointed unto men once to die," Heb. ix, 27. 

If the remains of our departed sister, in 
memory of whom the present discourse is de- 
livered, were now before your eyes, with ail the 
pomp and splendour of modern funerals, it is not 
improbable there are some whose minds would 
be affected with a solemn but superstitious awe, 
which the preacher has neither power nor in- 
clination to raise. He is conscious that those 
who had the privilege of being acquainted with 
our respected sister, need nothing more than the 
recollection of that amiable woman, under the 
blessing of God, to infuse into them that spirit 
of true solemnity, which alone becomes the 
Christian on these occasions. But yet, that 
which rises above every other consideration, is 
the momentous truth held out to us in my text,, 
that great statute law of Heaven, " It is appointed 
unto men once to die." 

For the due improvement of this weighty sub- 
ject, we shall, under the blessing of the Most 
High, 

First, Give an explication of the text. 

Secondly, Consider the grand point held forth 
to our view, — the certainty of death. 

Thirdly, Lay down some considerations 
against the fear of death, for the use and com- 
fort of believers. 






MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 79 

Fourthly, Draw some inferences from the 
foregoing heads of discourse : And, 

Lastly, Present you with an epitome of the 
experience, death, and character of our deceased 
friend, Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers. 

I. We are to explain the text. 

1st. The proposition is indefinite, therefore 
universal, " all must die." It is not confined to 
any sex or description. The whole race is in- 
cluded. But yet there have been, and still shall 
be, exceptions to the general rule. 

First. Enoch, that holy man, who walked with 
God three hundred years, and then " was not, 
for God took him. By faith he was translated" 
into heaven. When he had, for so long a time, 
borne, by example and prophecy, his faithful 
testimony against the sins of a wicked world, 
just mature for destruction, his merciful Re- 
deemer, the God of Israel, with whose smile 
and intimacy he had been divinely honoured for 
centuries, took him into his everlasting arms, 
and fitted him at once for consummate glory. 

Secondly. Elijah,* the great and highly hon- 
oured prophet, who had power to open and 
shut the heavens, and to call down celestial 
fire ; when he had finished his suffering life in 
the midst of a crooked, adulterous, idolatrous 
people, his Friend and his God took him, soul 
and body together, in a chariot of fire, to the 
heaven of heavens. These are the exceptions 
we have had already. 

And, in respect to futurity, " we shall not all 
sleep, but we shall be changed in a moment, in 



80 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump ; for 
the trumpet shall sound," and instantly all the 
faithful who are then alive shall put on incor- 
ruption and immortality, and shall afterward 
enter into their Master's joy, without suffering 
the usual lot of mortality. 

The above excepted, we must all pass through 
the valley of the shadow of death, and return to 
the dust whence we came. And truly, my 
brethren, I know not whether I should not pre- 
fer, if the choice were given me, to tread the 
steps my Saviour trod before me, and to pass 
after him through the door of death, than to be 
at once translated to the realms of bliss. He 
has sanctified the grave by lying in it : and every 
path in which we follow the Lamb is strowed 
with blessings to the faithful. He will take care 
of our sacred dust : every thing which is essen- 
tial to humanity will he preserve in the hollow 
of his hand, till he completely mould it by al- 
mighty power, and give it a lustre, to which the 
sun shall appear as darkness. 

2dly. All must die once, but all shall not die 
the second death. There is the comfort of the 
believer. That divine and ineffable union which 
subsists between God and the Christian's soul, 
shall preserve the consecrated body, which here 
below is the temple of the Holy Ghost. As the 
whole humanity of Christ was united to his God- 
head, even when his soul and body were sepa- 
rated ; so the soul and body of the faithful are 
united to Christ, even when they are separated 
by death : for we are " bone of his bone, and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 81 

flesh of his flesh." When death shall untie those 
secret and sweet bands, those vital knots which 
fasten soul and body together, then shall the 
sanctified and immortal spirit burst through its 
tenement of clay, and take possession of its ever- 
lasting home. On such " the second death hath 
no power." To them death is only a sleep, a 
happy passage out of the prison of the body into 
a state of perfect freedom ; out of an earthly 
house, where the better part groans, " into a 
building of God, a house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens." But, 

3dly. We must all undergo the first death. 
This is the irrevocable decree of Heaven : not 
from the necessity of nature, but as the punish- 
ment of sin. Man was made immortal : sin 
alone brought death into the world, and all our 
wo. " By sin," says St. Paul, " death entered 
into the world." And shall we nourish and in- 
dulge our great enemy ? Shall we harbour ; yea, 
shall we serve the murderers of Christ ? Shall 
we not exert ourselves to the uttermost against 
the greatest foe of God and man ? Shall a little 
temporary joy or profit induce us to sacrifice 
everlasting happiness, and to embrace everlast- 
ing burnings ? — May the awful decree, " It is 
appointed unto man once to die," have such an 
influence on our minds, and be so accompanied 
by the operations of grace upon our hearts, that we 
may always be enabled to say with holy triumph, 
" O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where 
is thy victory ? Thanks be to God, who giveth 
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 
6 



82 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

II. But we now proceed to consider the se- 
cond point, — the unavoidableness and certainty 
of death. 

It needs no proof. Every thing else on this 
side of the grave is attended with probability 
or possibility only ; this alone with certainty. 
If it be inquired, Will such a child be rich or 
poor, be learned or ignorant, be honourable or 
contemptible ? the answer is, Perhaps it may, 
perhaps not. But if it be inquired, Shall he die ? 
the answer contains no perhaps : it is simply, 
He certainly shall. 

I shall therefore only consider the present 
head in a way of application. For it is the 
heart alone which needs to be awakened on the 
present subject. Such is the sottishness of men 
in general, that they will not duly consider the 
transitoriness of all sublunary things, the mor- 
tality of our bodies, and the infinitely momentous 
concerns of eternity. Eet us therefore examine 
into the grand reasons of this stupidity of man. 
We shall find it, perhaps, to proceed from the 
following particulars : — 

1st. Immense multitudes are so immersed in 
the pleasures, honours, or riches of this world, 
that every thought of the certainty or approach 
of death is drowned therein. As soon as an idea 
on the important subject springs up in the mind, 
it sinks and is lost in the innumerable ideas 
which continually crowd in concerning the things 
of time and sense : it is devoured by the worldly 
thoughts which are incessantly buzzing in the 
souls of carnal men. One is eagerly pursuing 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 83 

things of time, and is so abhorrent of reflection, 
that with a variety of invented delights, he imps 
the wings of time, to make them fly the faster ; 
and is never contented, but when the senses are 
gratified. Another is eaten up by ambition ; he 
forgets he is mortal ; and power, and titles, and 
worldly honours, are the only food of his soul. 
A third, like the fool in the parable, trusts in his 
riches. He says to his soul, " Soul, thou hast 
much goods laid up for many years ; eat, drink, 
and be merry:" whereas he might as well lay 
a plaster to his clothes to heal the wounds of his 
body, as imagine that happiness can be brought 
into his soul by any thing which the honours, 
riches, or pleasures of this world can possibly 
afford him. If he will believe the Spirit of God, 
the sum total of them all is, " Vanity of vanities, 
all is vanity and vexation of spirit." If vanity 
can satisfy you, if vexation of spirit can give you 
content, if you can gather grapes of thorns, or figs 
of thistles, then go and doat upon the creatures. 
2dly. Men in general are continually viewing 
death as at a distance ; and thereby entirely lose 
sight of the awful certainty and unavoidableness 
of it. When they are young, the heat of blood, 
the incessant flow of the animal spirits, a vicious 
education, and the constant company of the dis- 
sipated and unawakened, drive away every 
thought of death, as if the solemn moment were 
at the utmost distance from them. Those who 
are grown up to manhood, and are strong and 
healthy, think it quite sufficient to provide for 
death when sickness gives the summons. Those 



84 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

who are sickly and diseased, buoy up themselves 
in their false confidence, by their hopes of re- 
covery : and even the aged (strange as it seems !) 
regard their few remaining days as if they were 
years. Such is the state of the unregenerate ; 
such the dreadful consequence of a heart har- 
dened against divine things by original and 
actual sin ! What if God were to summon you 
away, sinners, in an hour or a moment ! how 
dreadful would be the alarm ! And should we 
not be every moment prepared, by living in the 
favour of God, and in the light of his counte- 
nance ; for who can assure himself for a mo- 
ment to come ? For aught you know, the film, 
the bubble, which holds your lives, is now 
breaking ! did we but seriously consider by 
what small pins this frame of man is tacked to- 
gether, it would appear to us a miracle that we 
live for a single hour ! 

3dly. The apprehensions, the terrors, arising 
in the minds of the unregenerate from reflection 
upon death, keep them from any due considera- 
tions on the certainty and unavoidableness of it. 
The agonies of death, the senseless corpse, the 
gnawing worm, and all the other attendants of 
that grim king of terrors, form far too miserable 
a subject for the jovial world or the dissipated 
throng to reflect upon for a moment. But though 
the consideration of these things is very unwel- 
come, yea, very dismal to the minds of sinners, 
yet there is far worse behind : and that is the 
sin which deserves death, and the hell which 
follows it. To be for ever shut up in utter 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 85 

darkness ; to be the sport of devils, as far as 
devils can sport themselves with any thing ; to 
be banished for ever from the source of happi- 
ness ; to have the soul eternally tormented by 
the worm which dieth not, and the immortalized 
body by a fire suited to its ever dying, but never 
annihilated substance : these subjects afford 
ideas which, if thoroughly attended to, and ap- 
plied by the grace of God, woidd soon stir up 
the soul to enter into that state of favour with 
the Lord, which would make dissolution a pri- 
vilege, and death a kind messenger without a 
sting, to open the gate to everlasting joys. 

III. But this leads me to the third head of 
my discourse, namely, to lay down some con- 
siderations against the fear of death, for the use 
and comfort of believers. 

1st. If the soul be immortal, if it were cre- 
ated and redeemed for the eternal enjoyment of 
God, and consequently enter after death on an 
infinitely better life than this, the believer may 
certainly be well contented, yea, glad to die. 
The glorious view which faith opens to the 
spiritual eye far overbalances all the frightful 
objects with which death is surrounded. The 
scenes of pure perennial bliss, where saints eter- 
nally bask themselves in the bright beams of the 
countenance of their God, and bathe themselves 
in the rivers of pleasures which flow at his right 
hand for evermore, are sufficient, though only 
viewed in prospect, to elevate the soul above 
every terrifying thought which can possibly as- 
sail it. An old heathen philosopher, Tullius 



88 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Cicero, in his dream of Scipio, beautifully ob- 
serves, "If I were now disengaged from my 
cumbrous body, and on the wing for Elysium, 
[the place where the ancient Romans supposed 
the virtuous would dwell after death,] and some 
superior being should meet me in my flight, and 
make me an offer of returning and reanimating 
my body, I should without hesitation reject his 
offer : so much rather would I go to Elysium, 
to reside with Socrates and Plato, and all the 
ancient worthies, and spend my time in convers- 
ing with them." But could a heathen thus tri- 
umph in the thought of enjoying his poor mise- 
rable paradise, and prefer it even to life, how 
much more may a Christian triumph in the ex- 
ulting thought, that he shall spend an eternity 
with the wisest, the holiest, the happiest beings 
that ever came out of the creative hand of God : 
yea, that he shall spend an eternity with Jesus, 
the Mediator of the new covenant, the joy of his 
heart, and the delight of his eyes : where he 
shall fix his ever-waking eyes on the infinite 
beauty of his adorable Lord ; yea, if it were 
possible, would think eternity itself too short for 
the beholding and admiring such transcendent 
excellences, and for the solemnizing those hea- 
venly espousals between Christ and his most 
beloved spouse, when all the powers of heaven 
shall triumph for joy, and a concert of seraphim 
for ever sing the wedding song. 

2dly. The whole life of a Christian is founded 
on a hope which cannot be accomplished but by 
dying. How exceedingly mistaken must he be, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 87 

who fears that which alone can gratify his high- 
est wishes, and is the great end of all his pur- 
suits. What does the Christian chiefly hope 
for ? Is it not the full enjoyment of his God in 
the realms of bliss ? Is it not the restoration of 
his whole nature to the full image of God, in 
which it was at first created ; and the recovery 
of that paradise which he has lost by the fall ; 
a paradise, the glories of which shall be incon- 
ceivably heightened by the union of the divine 
and human natures in the person of the second 
Adam, the Son of God 1 Is it not to live for ever 
with his adorable and most beloved Saviour, to 
be with him where he is, and to behold the glory 
which the Father has given him ? Is it not to sit 
with Christ on his throne, according to his most 
gracious promise, even as Christ sits with his 
Father on his throne ? Is it not to join the re- 
deemed and the innumerable hosts of angels, in 
singing continually alleluiahs, salvation, and 
glory, and honour, and power, to God and the 
Lamb ? In short, is it not to see God face to 
face, to enjoy the beatific vision, to experience 
an inconceivably closer union and communion 
with God, than we possibly can during the pre- 
sent scene of things ; to be for ever blest in the 
close embraces of the sovereign good 1 But can 
we be possessors of these mighty joys without 
passing through the valley of death 1 And shall 
a Christian be afraid of that which alone can 
enable him to realize the glorious hope, which is 
the very support of his life ? Should it not rather 
be the language of his soul, " I desire to be 



88 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

dissolved, and to be with Christ, which is far 
better ?" 

3dly. Death is no more than a quiet sleep. 
Thus it is frequently represented in the oracles 
of God. " Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy 
fathers," Deut. xxxi, 16, and 2 Sam. vii, 12. 
" Many that sleep in the dust shall awake," 
Dan. xii, 2. " Our friend Lazarus sleepeth," 
John xi, 11. " Stephen fell asleep," Acts vii, 
60. " I would not have you to be ignorant, 
brethren, concerning them which are asleep, 
that ye sorrow not even as others, which have 
no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and 
rose again, even so them also which sleep in 
Jesus will God bring with him. For we which 
are alive and remain unto the coming of the 
Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep," 
1 Thess. iv, 13, 14, 15. " Some are fallen 
asleep. They are fallen asleep in Christ," 

1 Cor. xv, 6, 18. "The fathers fell asleep," 

2 Pet. iii, 4. The inspired writers seem to de- 
light in the metaphor, when applied to the death 
of the faithful : and what can be more expres- 
sive 1 The weary labourer lays himself down to 
sleep till the morning, and the Christian takes 
his sleep in the grave till the morning of the 
resurrection, only with this essential difference : 
the common sleep of nature deprives us of the 
natural light, but the sleep of death brings the 
believer to the vision of the true, and otherwise 
inaccessible light. Why, then, should the Chris- 
tian be afraid of death ? Surely, he may take 
the serpent into his bosom ; for he has not only 



MRS. HESTER UfN ROGERS. 80 

lost his sting, but is reconciled tq the believer, 
and become one of his friends. Therefore, says 
St. Paul, " Whether life or death, all is yours :" 
and again, " To me to live is Christ, and to die 
is gain." And well may the Christian rejoice 
in death, and welcome the pleasing messenger ; 
for it is the hand of death which draws the cur- 
tain, and lets him in to see God face to face in 
heaven, that palace of inestimable pleasure and 
delight, where the strongest beams of glory shall 
beat fully upon our faces, and we shall be made 
strong enough to bear them. Neither does death 
do any real injury to our bodies, since they shall 
be new moulded at the resurrection ; when " this 
mortal shall put on immortality, and this cor- 
ruptible put on incorruption •:" when these dull 
lumps shall become as impalpable as the angelic 
nature, subtle as a ray of light, bright as the sun, 
nimble as lightning. Who is there, that is truly 
armed with this helmet of salvation, this hope of 
heaven, who would for a moment desire to have 
the law of death reversed ? Surely a holy soul 
may frequently be breathing forth desires (though 
with due resignation) after the kind office of 
death, to deliver it into so great and incompre- 
hensible a glory. 

IV. I now proceed, in the fourth place, to 
draw some inferences from what has been ad- 
vanced. 

1st. If death be so certain and unavoidable, 
and it be " appointed unto men once to die," 
what exquisite folly is it to suffer our affections 
to cleave to any thing here below ! How pain- 



90 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

ful must the parting be, when we are drawn 
from our dearest idols, from our chief joy ! — 
How different is the concluding scene of the 
pious and the unregenerate ! Angels are waiting 
to receive the former, and to accompany them 
to their beloved Bridegroom, their adorable 
Lord : while devils are ready to seize upon the 
latter, and to bring them to their place of tor- 
ment. Some of the voluptuous heathens were 
accustomed to bring in the resemblance of an 
anatomy to their feasts, in order to remind their 
guests of their favourite motto, " Let us eat and 
drink, for to-morrow we die :" let us indulge 
ourselves in every pleasure of sense, since anni- 
hilation daily approaches, and we shall then sink 
into an eternal sleep. How much better is the 
advice of the apostle ! " But this I say, brethren, 
the time is short. It remaineth, that both they 
that have wives, be as though they had none ; 
and they that weep, as though they wept not ; 
and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced 
not ; and they that buy, as though they pos- 
sessed not ; and they that use this world, as not 
abusing it ; for the fashion of this world passeth 
away," 1 Cor. vii, 29-31 . Why should any thing 
this world can allure us with, be of any price in 
a wise man's esteem 1 Both they and we perish 
in the using : they are dying comforts ; and we 
must die who enjoy them. And, therefore, 

2dly. As we must all shortly die, let us 
labour to be always in readiness and prepara- 
tion for the awful hour. On this head of my 
discourse I shall only lay down a few short 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 91 

directions, and then proceed to the more imme- 
diate subject of our meeting. 

1. Wean your hearts from the love of the 
world. Death must and will pluck you from it. 
Why, then, should you toil, and waste your 
lives on so precarious, so transitory an object 1 
Every thing below is fading ; but your pre- 
cious souls are immortal. Be not, therefore, 
unequally yoked ; join not your ever-living 
souls to dying comforts : this would be a 
tyranny worse than that which was exercised 
by those of old, who tied dead carcasses to liv- 
ing bodies. When you take your eternal fare- 
well of all sublunary enjoyments, what linger- 
ing looks will you cast on those dear nothings, 
those miserable follies, which you clasped round 
your heart, unless Almighty grace has wrenched 
your affections from them : while the soul which 
is crucified to the world, and the world to it — 
which sits loose to every thing below, spreads 
its wings and takes its glad flight to realms 
where bliss and love immortal reign. Soon 
will the films fall off from the eyes of world- 
lings. Wlien they stand before the awful bar 
of God, with what astonishment will they be- 
hold the men whom they once despised, shin- 
ing as the stars of the firmament at the right 
hand of the Judge ! " They shall be troubled 
with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the 
strangeness of the salvation of the righteous, so 
far beyond all which they looked for ; and re- 
penting and groaning for anguish of spirit, they 
shall say within themselves, These were they 



92 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

whom we had sometimes in derision, and a 
proverb of reproach. We fools accounted their 
lives madness ; and their end to be without 
honour. Now are they numbered among the 
children of God, and their lot is among the 
saints !" And then will the final separation 
take place ; those who were here dead to the 
world, and walked with God, shall ascend up 
to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and be 
ever with their Lord, while the others sink 
down into the place prepared for the devil and 
his angels. 

2. Would you be prepared for death, then 
delay not your conversion (if you be unre- 
generate) for another day. Get an interest in 
Christ as soon as possible. By earnest prayer 
and active faith, press into the liberty of the 
children of God. Remember Him who has 
said, " Many shall seek to enter in, and shall 
not be able." It is not an empty wish, or lan- 
guishing endeavour, which will serve the turn. 
He that is but almost a Christian, shall but al- 
most be saved. You must " strive to enter in 
at the strait gate." To those who thus knock, 
it shall certainly be opened. God delights to 
bless the earnestly seeking soul. 

3. Live every day as if it were your last, 
and the next were allotted for eternity. It may 
be so : and when we consider the importance 
of eternal things, of the everlasting happiness 
of the blessed, and the everlasting misery of 
the impenitent, it should lead us to leave no- 
thing to the hazard. For there is no end of 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 93 

procrastination. There will be the same tempt- 
ing devil, and the same treacherous heart to- 
morrow as to-day, only made more treacherous 
by delay. Therefore, " now is the accepted 
time, now is the day of salvation. Now, while 
it is called to-day, harden not your hearts." Do 
you think you can be happy too soon ? Or do 
you think that God will accept of the dregs of 
your life, when you have given the strength 
of it to vanity, folly, and the devil ? Begin, 
therefore, to live to God every day and every 
hour. 

4. You, who are believers, be constant in the 
exercise of a holy life. Let your fellowship be 
with the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. 
Labour to walk in the light, as God is in the 
light, and the blood of Christ Jesus his Son 
shall cleanse you from all sin. Walk as heirs 
of heaven, led and moved by the Spirit of Christ 
in you. Live habitually by faith in the Son of 
God, who loved you, and gave himself for you. 
Be much in the exercise of the presence of 
God ; and he will more and more smile upon 
you, and more and more reveal himself to you. 
You shall be strong in the Lord, and in the 
power of his might, and shall overcome the 
wicked one : yea, you shall be more than con- 
querors, through him that hath loved you. 

5. Lastly, Take care to preserve an abiding 
witness of the favour of God. Watch unto 
prayer for this. There is nothing else will 
support you in the dying hour ; there is nothing 
else will make you comfortable through life 



94 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

To retain a clear sense of your interest in Jesus 
Christ, a constant assurance of the love of God 
— O, this will turn the waste wilderness of the 
world into a little paradise ; it will enable you 
to triumph with the poet : — 

" Should [Providence] command me to the farthest verge 
Of the green earth, to distant barb'rous climes, 
'Tis naught to me : 
Since God is ever present, ever felt ; 
In the void waste as in the city full : 
And where he vital breathes there must be joy." 

Above all, at the hour of death, what can 
support us but this mighty blessing ? and it will 
support the believer. For whom will it not 
comfort to think that death will change his 
bottle into a spring ? Though here pur water 
sometimes fails us, yet, in heaven, where we 
are going, we shall bathe ourselves in an infinite 
ocean of delights, having access to an infinite 
fountain of life and sweetness. Whoever has 
such an assurance, cannot but welcome death, 
embracing it not only with contentment, but 
delight : and while the soul is struggling and 
striving to unclasp itself, and to get loose from 
the body, it cannot but say, with holy long- 
ings and pantings, " Come, Lord Jesus, come 
quickly !" 

V. I proceed, in the fifth and last place, to 
present you with an epitome of the experience, 
death, and character of our deceased friend, 
Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers. 

She was born at Macclesfield, in Cheshire, 
on the 31st of January, 1756 ; of which place 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 95 

her father was minister for many years. She 
was trained up in the observance of all out- 
ward duties, and in the fear of those sins, 
which, in these modern times, are too often 
deemed accomplishments. She was followed 
by divine impressions from her childhood, and 
was early drawn out to secret prayer. From 
four years old she never, except once, retired 
to bed without saying her prayers. When she 
wanted any thing, or was in pain, or grief, she 
fled to God in secret ; and it would be incred- 
ible to some, how often she received manifest 
answers to prayer in that early period of 
her life. 

In the ninth year of her age, her pious father 
dying, her mother was prevailed on to let her 
learn to dance, in order to raise her spirits, and 
improve her carriage. This was a fatal stab to 
her divine impressions ; it paved the way to 
lightness, trifling, love of pleasure, and various 
evils. As she soon made proficiency, she de- 
lighted much in this ensnaring folly. Yet in all 
this she was not left without keen convictions, 
gentle drawings, and many short-lived good re- 
solutions. 

When she arrived at the age of fourteen, the 
Lord visited her with affliction: during this 
illness she had an alarming dream, which, to- 
gether with the danger attending her disorder, 
made a deep impression on her mind for some 
time. But, alas ! her health and strength were 
no sooner restored, than (being solicited by her 
companions in gay life) she again returned to 



96 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

her former follies ; such as balls, plays, dress, 
assemblies, &c, the love of which continued to 
grow upon her more and more, for upward of 
two years, and nearly engrossed the whole of 
her time. 

After this she was deeply wrought upon by 
a sermon which the Rev. Mr. Simpson, of 
Macclesfield, preached on, " What shall it 
profit a man, if he gain the whole world and 
lose his own soul ?" And soon after felt fur- 
ther convictions under another which he 
preached upon the new birth, from John iii, 3. 
She now saw and felt as she had never done 
before, that she must experience that divine 
change or perish. 

In April, 1774, on the Sunday before Easter, 
Mr. Simpson preached from John vi, 44, " No 
man can come unto me, except the Father, 
which hath sent me, draw him." Under this 
sermon she felt herself indeed a lost, perishing 
sinner ; a rebel against repeated convictions, 
and, by the law of God, a condemned criminal, ' 
who deserved to be sentenced to eternal pain ! 
She felt she had broken her baptismal vow, her 
sacramental vows, and had no title to any 
mercy or any hope ! She wept aloud, so that 
all around her were amazed ; nor was she any 
longer ashamed to own the cause. She went 
home, ran up stairs, and fell on her knees, and 
made a solemn vow to renounce and forsake all 
her sinful pleasures and trifling companions. 

She could not eat, or sleep, or take any com- 
fort. The curses throughout the whole Bible 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 97 

seemed pointed all at her, and she could not 
claim a single promise. Thus she continued 
till Good Friday. After many conflicts she 
ventured once more to approach the Lord's 
table. As the minister was reading that sen- 
tence in the communion service, " If any man 
sin, we have an Advocate," &c, a ray of divine 
light was darted into her soul, and she was 
enabled to believe there was mercy for her ; 
she felt a degree of love to God spring up in 
her heart, and in a measure could rejoice in 
him. But alas ! this was only for a short sea- 
son ! She had never yet heard the Methodists, 
nor had she lost all her prejudices against 
them ; but a neighbour who had lately found 
peace with God, advised her strongly to hear 
them : she resolved to go privately, and went 
accordingly at five o'clock one morning. The 
text was, " Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, 
saith your God." She thought every word the 
preacher said was for her : he spoke to her 
heart, as if he had known all the secret work- 
ings there. She was much comforted, her pre- 
judices were now fully removed, and she re- 
ceived a full and clear conviction, " these are 
the people of God." 

She met with a little pamphlet, entitled, 
" The great Duty of Believing on the Son of 
God." She was much encouraged on reading 
this ; and would gladly have spent the night in 
prayer : but her mother (with whom she slept) 
would not suffer it. She therefore went to bed, 
but could not sleep ; and at four in the morning 
7 



98 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

rose again, that she might wrestle with the 
Lord in prayer. She prayed, but it seemed in 
vain ! the heavens appeared as brass ; and hope 
seemed almost sunk into despair ! when sud- 
denly the Lord spake that promise to her heart : 
" Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou 
shalt be saved." She revived, and cried, 
" Lord, I know this is thy word, and I can 
depend upon it." Again it came, " Only be- 
lieve." " Lord Jesus," said she, " I will, I do 
believe : I now venture my whole salvation 
upon thee as God : I put my guilty soul into 
thy hands ; thy blood is sufficient ! I cast my 
soul upon thee for time and eternity." Then 
did he appear to her salvation : in that moment 
her bands were loosed : her soul was set at 
liberty ; and the love of God so shed abroad in 
her heart, that she rejoiced with joy unspeak- 
able ; and for eight months she experienced no 
interruption to her bliss. 

But now the Lord began to reveal in her 
heart, that sin was not all destroyed : for though 
she had constant victory over it, yet she felt the 
remains of anger, pride, self-will, and unbelief, 
often rising, which occasioned a degree of 
heaviness and sorrow. At first she was much 
amazed to feel such things. 

About this time the Lord was pleased to 
make the preaching of Mr. Duncan Wright a 
great blessing to her. He clearly explained 
the nature of salvation from inbred sin; and 
showed it to be as freely promised in Scrip- 
ture, and as fully purchased by the blood of 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 99 

Jesus, as pardon. Henceforth she could not 
rest, but cried to the Lord night and day, to cast 
out the strong man, and all his armour of un- 
belief and sin. 

On the morning of February 22, 1776, when 
at prayer, her intercourse was open with her 
Beloved, and various promises were presented 
to her view. She thought, " Shall I now ask 
small blessings only of my God ? Lord, make 
this the moment of my full salvation ! Baptize 
me now with the Holy Ghost, and the fire of 
pure love. Now cleanse the thoughts of my 
heart, and let me perfectly love thee." 

Thus she continued agonizing till the Lord 
applied that promise, " I will circumcise thy 
heart, and thou shalt love the Lord thy God 
with all thy heart." She said, " Lord, thou art 
faithful, and this is thy word ; I cast my whole 
soul upon thy promise. Now, Lord, I do be- 
lieve ; this moment thou dost save. Yea, Lord, 
my soul is delivered of her burden. I am 
emptied of all ; I am at thy feet, a helpless, 
worthless worm ; but I take hold of thee as my 
fulness ! Every thing that I want, thou art. 
Thou art wisdom, strength, love, holiness : 
yea, and thou art mine ! Love sinks me into 
nothing : it overflows my soul. O my Jesus, 
thou art all in all ! In thee I behold and feel 
all the fulness of the Godhead mine ! I am 
now one with God : the intercourse is open : 
sin, inbred sin, no longer hinders the close 
communion, and God is all my own !" 

She now walked in the unclouded light of 



100 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

his countenance ; and yet she did not feel so 
much, rapturous joy as she had been led to ex- 
pect : but was rather, as it were, overwhelmed 
with that 

" Sacred awe, which dares not move, 
And all that silent heaven of love." 

She resolved at first not to declare openly 
what the Lord had wrought ; but it was seen 
in her countenance : and when asked respect- 
ing it, she durst not deny the wonders of his 
love ! and she soon found that repeating his 
goodness confirmed her own faith more and 
more. 

From this time we may clearly perceive the 
increase of her joy in God, and her deep com- 
munion with him, from her private diary, where 
she writes as follows : — 

" On Trinity Sunday, June, 1776, I met in 
the select society at six in the morning, and it 
was a blessed season to my soul. 

" Mr. "Wright dwelt a little on the equal love 
of each person in the adorable Trinity, in a 
manner which I found truly profitable : after- 
ward he preached from Eph. ii, 18, 'Through 
him we both have access by one Spirit unto 
the Father.' He showed the distinct relative 
offices of Father, Son, and Spirit, in man's sal- 
vation, and that the love of the Father was ever 
equal ; as also that of the Son, and that of the 
Holy Ghost : that all the designs of the Son 
were the designs of the Father also, and of the 
Holy Ghost. He also spoke much of the near 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 101 

union and communion with God, which believ- 
ers might enjoy, especially those perfected in 
love. My soul was led into depths unspeak- 
able, and saw such a fulness of God ready for 
me to plunge into, that what I now felt seemed 
only as a drop compared with the ocean ! As 
I came into the chapel yard, I felt peculiar 
union with the adorable Jesus, in all his offices 
of redeeming love ; and that verse of a hymn 
was so powerfully sweet as I had never felt it 
before : — 

1 The opening heavens around me shine, 
With beams of sacred bliss ; 
While Jesus shows his mercy mine, 
And whispers I am his.' 

" I was deeply penetrated with his presence, 
and stood as if unable to move, and was insen- 
sible to all around me. While thus lost in 
commmunion with my Saviour, he spake those 
words to my heart, — ' All that I have is thine ! 
I am Jesus, in whom dwells all the fulness of 
the Godhead bodily — I am thine ! My Spirit 
is thine ! My Father is thine ! They love 
thee, as I love thee — the whole Deity is thine ! 
All God is, and all he has, is thine ! He even 
now overshadows thee ! He now covers thee 
with a cloud of his presence.' All this was so 
realized to my soul, in a manner I cannot ex- 
plain, that I sunk down motionless, being un- 
able to sustain the weight of his glorious pre- 
sence and fulness of love. At the altar this 
was renewed to me, but not in so large a mea- 
sure. I believe, indeed, if this had continued 



102 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

as I felt it before, but for one hour, mortality 
must have been dissolved, and the soul dislodged 
from its tenement of clay. 

"Friday, 21. — I prove, through boundless 
mercy and free grace, an increasing intercourse 
and communion with my God every day. I 
live and move in him alone ! Wherever I go, 
whatever I do, I feel the presence of the great 
Three-One. ' Yea, he dwelleth with me, and 
shall be in me.' This is his promise to my 
soul. I feel I am under his loving eye, and 
the continual guidance of his Spirit. I do in- 
deed dwell in God, and God in me ! O love 
unsearchable to such a worm ! 

' I loathe myself when God I see, 
And into nothing fall !' 

" Sunday, 23. — In meeting with the select 
society again, I had unspeakable communion 
with the blessed Trinity ! I had the same at 
the preaching also. Mr. Percival's text was, 
6 O God, thou art my God.' A sense of the 
divine presence almost overcame my body. 
All the day I have been filled with a solemn 
weight of love, and swallowed up in God the 
eternal Father, Saviour, Comforter. At church, 
while that anthem was sung, ' I know that my 
Redeemer liveth,' &c, I was so overwhelmed 
with the power of God, and had such a fore- 
taste of his glory, I thought I should have died ! 
O the depths of his indulgent, condescending 
love! He knows my trials, and the need I 
have of such consolations to strengthen and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 103 

support my weakness. I live by faith — this is 
my soul's strong anchor, which lays hold on 
Omnipotence, and every moment receives a 
supply for every want. My God is always 
near — he is my one object, the centre and end 
of all my desires. He is my all in all." 

After a wonderful chain of divine leadings 
and remarkable providences, on August 19, 
1784, she was married to Mr. Rogers, in 
whom the Lord gave her just such a partner 
as she needed to strengthen her. He made 
them of one heart and one soul ; and for above 
ten years crowned their union with his con- 
stant smile. Soon after their marriage they 
went to Dublin, where Mr. Rogers was ap- 
pointed to labour. In that city they were 
gladly received, and the Lord gave them the 
hearts of the people. They saw a blessed re- 
vival of the work of God : and in three years 
the number in society was increased more than 
double. From thence they removed to Cork, 
where also the Lord graciously revived his 
work. His word greatly prospered and pre- 
vailed ; and many in that city still remember 
with gratitude the happy seasons which they 
enjoyed together. And it appears from what 
our dear friend wrote of herself when there, 
that she never before was more happy in her 
own soul, nor enjoyed deeper communion with 
her God, than during her stay in that city. 
After spending three years in Cork, they were 
removed to London ; and for two years resided 
in Mr. Wesley's house at the new chapel, City 



104 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Road; where they also had the happiness of 
seeing the work of God prosper : many souls 
were brought into Christian liberty; and in 
two years, not less than five hundred were 
added to the society in the city and suburbs. 
Here, indeed, it might be said, " The walls of 
Jerusalem were built in troublesome times." 
The awful event of Mr. Wesley's death, which 
happened during the residence of Mr. and Mrs. 
Rogers at the City Road, rendered their situa- 
tion exceedingly critical and trying, as many of 
you well know. 

In August, 1792, the conference stationed 
Mr. Rogers here, (at Spitalfields,) in order to 
put this chapel and the adjoining dwelling 
house into a state of good repair ; in which 
labour of love he was truly indefatigable : you 
now reap the benefit, and are thankful that you 
can here retire, and worship God in peace. 
Notwithstanding the work necessary to be done 
upon the premises was great ; yet, before the 
end of October Mrs. Rogers and the children 
were comfortably placed in their new habita- 
tion; and a few days afterward she wrote in 
her diary as follows : — 

" I feel grateful to my God that I am placed 
here, though but for a season : where I can 
enjoy more of retirement, and less of busy life. 
My God is with me, and I trust he will draw 
and unite more fully to himself his helpless 
creature ! I have power with him in prayer, 
and I know he will answer my enlarged re- 
quest, for myself, my other self, and our off- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 105 

spring. I long for a yet larger measure of the 
mind of Christ; more of every grace, and a 
deeper communion with my God. All tempta- 
tions respecting conflicts with Satan in death 
are vanished. I know my Joshua will be with 
me in Jordan, and see me safely through! 
Sometimes I have thought I shall have to pass 
that river before it be long ; but that I leave to 
him. I feel no desire of life ; except when I 
see my dear husband oppressed with trials, and 
my living seems as if it would be a help and 
comfort to him ; or, when a silent wish arises, 
to see my children grown, and partakers 
of regenerating grace : but I am kept from 
anxiety." 

" The Leeds conference drawing near, my 
dear partner left me on July 21, and in the 
night after, my Hester was seized with a 
malignant fever. The weather was uncom- 
monly hot ; and what my fatigue and weakness 
were, my God only knows ! But he held me 
up that I did not sink ; and my soul was happy 
in his love. In this time of affliction I had 
peculiar intercourse with God in prayer, both 
with the family and in secret ; and I received 
manifest answers. On the seventh day the 
fever came to a crisis — my child was quite 
delirious, and very ill indeed ; but I felt fully 
resigned to the will of God respecting her life 
or death. About nine in the evening, her 
piercing cries, through agonizing pain in her 
head, were very pitiable ; and I entreated the 
Lord, in the prayer of faith, to give her ease. 



106 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

He heard — he answered! The pain was in 
stantaneously removed, and she fell into a 
slumber ; but it soon appeared to be the sleep 
of death ! Her feet, legs, and hands were cold, 
her nails blue, and she was motionless till a 
little past four in the morning. Just then a 
blister which I had put on her back began to 
rise, and signs of life appeared ; by degrees 
warmth returned to her arms, hands, and feet ; 
then motion, and lastly speech. After this, a 
mighty change appeared : her fever was gone, 
and the next day she sat up some hours, and 
continued to recover in a most wonderful man- 
ner. What cannot the Lord do 1 Upon the 
whole, when I look back, I can only wonder 
and adore ! repeating with the poet, — 

i I stand and admire thy outstretch'd arm, 
Having walk'd through the fire, and suffered no harm.' 

" Out of weakness surely I have been made 
strong, both as it respects body and soul. What 
a feeble frame ! Yet, how am I strengthened 
of the Lord, to bear fatigue, loss of rest, and 
painful sensations ! How helpless and un- 
worthy ; yet comforted in my God — strength- 
ened to do his will ; to offer up my child, and 
with entire resignation to say, ' It is the Lord, 
let him do what seemeth him good!' How 
sweet also my prospects of a glorious eternity ! 
and when weakest, no gloomy fears of entering 
those abodes : but the blessed testimony, that 
where Jesus is, (' My Lord and my God !') 
there shall his servant be, and shall see his 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 107 

face — ' his Godhead without a veil, wrapped up 
in Father, Son, and Spirit, for evermore.' " 

Upon leaving London, she writes as fol- 
lows : — 

"Sunday, Sept. 1. — I heard Mr. Rogers at 
the City Road chapel in the morning, and had 
a blessed season. He also preached at Spital- 
fields in the evening, from, ' Finally, brethren, 
farewell.' The singers at both places took 
leave by hymns adapted to the occasion, very 
sweet and affecting. A mixture of love and 
friendly grief, together with deep gratitude to 
God, filled my soul. Lord, remember this dear 
people with tenfold blessings ! On the two fol- 
lowing days, the simple-hearted affection shown 
by very many of God's dear children, affected 
me much. I saw my dear and only brother on 
Tuesday evening. I felt much at parting. I 
think we shall not meet again on earth. After 
this, I called upon our valuable friends, Tooth, 
Whitfield, Jones, and several others ; and then 
hastened to meet my dear husband at our kind 
friend's, Mr. Senols, where we supped. O thou 
God of love, preserve these until we meet them 
all again, where pain and parting are no more ! 
On Wednesday we dined at Mr. Ball's, and 
then hastened in a coach, with our children, to 
Mr. T. Shakspeare's, in Smithfield. It was 
Bartholomew's fair ; and such a scene, or rather 
manifold scenes of folly, my eyes never beheld, 
as were exhibited where once dying martyrs 
for Jesus offered up their latest breath ! With 
difficulty, but, thank God, with safety, we got 



108 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

through. I found myself very weak, and ex 
peeted to faint ; but I had not been long in the 
coach before I was better. Through much 
mercy we arrived next day at Birmingham, 
where our friends received us kindly. On the 
ensuing sabbath, Mr. Rogers preached from, 
c I determined not to know any thing among 
you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.' 
The word was with power, and my soul was 
greatly comforted." 

It was thought a change of air and situation 
would be useful to our dear friend, and a means, 
under God, of strengthening her delicate con- 
stitution : but a very obstinate complaint, with 
which she was attacked near three years be- 
fore her dissolution, baffled all human skill, and 
repelled the force of every medicine, and never 
left her till the day of her death. During the 
last three or four months of her life, out of 
various other things which she wrote, the fol- 
lowing are extracted : — 

" Since I came to Birmingham the Lord has 
been very present with me : I have indeed been 
fed with the hidden manna of his love ! I have 
been peculiarly drawn out in prayer for the 
conversion of souls : and notwithstanding the 
enemy has laboured by various means to hinder 
this, yet the Lord has given me to rejoice also 
herein. I feel my soul animated to praise my 
great Source of bliss ! May all I have, and all 
I am, be his devoted sacrifice for ever ! I feel 
it good to live by faith : it brings deep peace 
and present power. I never can watch so well 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 109 

as when I thus momentarily believe. I have 
of late felt very poorly in body ; and have had 
a degree of dulness hanging on my spirit : but 
I fly to the Lord ; I wrestle with him for its 
removal ; and I ever find he is a present God 
when I call upon him. And O ! how he opens 
his ' heaven of love' afresh in my soul, by giving 
me unspeakable views of what Jesus suffered 
in the body for me ! and the love and sympathy 
he still feels to every suffering member. I have 
felt of late a deepening of the graces of faith, 
resignation, and entire dependance on God. 
And O ! how good is the Lord, that he should 
thus prepare me for what he knew would touch 
me in the tenderest part. 

" After a very restless night, my dear Patty 
broke out very full of the smallpox ; and for a 
fortnight I had much exercise for faith and pa- 
tience. But this was very little to what I felt on 
the return of my dearest husband from Barr, 
where (on May 19, 1793) he had a kind of apo- 
plectic fit. He fell down as suddenly as if he 
had been shot — and still continues very unwell. 
Yet, in secret prayer, the Lord assured me he 
should not die at this time, but live ! ! what 
should I do at a time like this, if I had not a 
constant intercourse with God? But blessed be 
his dear name, I have access to him. He is 
indeed my refuge and strength, a very present 
help in trouble ; and fills my soul with strong 
consolation. 

"July 15, 1794. — For some time I have felt 
a desire, if the Lord saw good, to accompany 



110 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

my dear husband to the Bristol conference. It 
would be a gratification to see the dear chil- 
dren ; but much more do I desire to go on ac- 
count of my dear partner's health, who has not 
yet recovered from his late attack. I was in 
suspense, however, until this day, whether I 
could go or not; but now I see an opening in 
providence ; and the Lord assures me he will 
preserve my going out and my coming in ; and 
greatly comforts my soul. On Tuesday, 22, we 
sat off at four in the morning, with Mr. Pawson, 
and as many more of the preachers as the coach 
could contain. We had a comfortable journey ; 
so that I was astonished to feel no more fatigued 
when, about ten o'clock, we arrived at our kind 
friend's, Mr. Hartland. We had also a refresh- 
ing sleep, and arose, both of us, in better health 
than when we left home. May I deeply feel 
my many mercies as so many various pledges 
of my Father's love ! We found our three sweet 
boys, thank God, all in health, and overjoyed at 
seeing us. Joseph is making swift progress in 
the printing business, and likely to make an ex- 
cellent workman. Benjamin is approved by his 
master, beloved by his school-fellows, and, above 
all, I trust he truly fears God. My James is 
very childish, (he is but eight years old,) yet I 
think I see in him the dawnings of a noble spi- 
rit ; which, if governed by grace, will one day 
give us comfort in him also, and make him a 
blessing to thousands. 

" After different scenes and manifold consola- 
tions during the time of conference, on August 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. Ill 

10, we arose before three o'clock in the morn- 
ing, and set off at four, on our journey home. 
Our friends were very affectionate, and our dear 
children also got up to see us set off, and we left 
them all well, though sorrowful to part. I 
claimed my Lord's promise to preserve me in 
coming in, as in going out ; and I proved him 
faithful. He did wonderfully strengthen my poor 
body, and sustain my soul with his heartfelt 
presence. We arrived safely in our habitation 
by nine in the evening, and found the three chil- 
dren we had left all well." 

During the few remaining weeks of her life, 
she continued to breathe the following sweet 
language of a saint truly ripe for heaven: — 

"Monday, Sept. 1. — I had a good day; my 
intercourse with Heaven is truly open, and my 
soul stayed upon my God. Tuesday, 2, was a 
blessed day of nearness to God. His word was 
precious food ; and I found my heart enlarged 
in praise and love. Wednesday, 3, was also a 
day of inward comfort, though of bodily weak- 
ness. I had a very precious time in meeting 
my class. And although the poor sinners were 
baiting a bull by the window, I believe all, as 
well as myself, so felt the divine presence, as 
not to be disturbed by the rabble. Thursday, 4, 
I had much pain, and little sleep in the night, 
which in some degree has weakened the animal 
frame ; but I feel peace in my God. Friday, 5. 
I believe, in answer to prayer, I had refreshing 
sleep, and was better in body this day, and my 
soul was comforted in God." Thus she goes 



112 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

on from day to day, expressing the same un- 
shaken confidence and comfort in her God, even 
until she could write and speak no more ! — The 
last words she was able to write in her journal 
are these : — " My body is very poorly, and has 
been so most of the week. O ! what a clog to 
the immortal spirit ! Yet I am kept in a pray- 
ing, depending, resigned frame ; determined to 
trust my God with my all." 

On the 10th of October, 1794, she gave birth 
to a son ; after which she lay composed for more 
than half an hour, with heaven in her counte- 
nance, praising God for his great mercy, and 
expressing her gratitude to all around her. She 
took Mr. Rogers by the hand, and said, " My 
dear, the Lord has been very kind to us ; O he 
is good, indeed he is good ! But I'll tell you 
more by and by." She thanked the doctor, and 
told him she would remember his kindness and 
attention another day, and expressed her entire 
satisfaction in all he had done. But, alas ! in 
a few minutes after this, her whole frame was 
thrown into a state of agitation not to be de- 
scribed. A medicine just then arrived from the 
doctor, which she took ; but all in vain. After 
a severe struggle for about fifteen minutes, bathed 
all over with a clammy, cold sweat, she laid her 
head on her husband's bosom, and said, " I am 
going." Mr. Rogers, recovering a little from 
the dreadful feelings he had experienced, found 
a desire to propose a question or two to his dear 
wife, relative to the state of her soul ; not for his 
own satisfaction ; for (as he observed to me) he 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 113 

could as soon call in question the truth of revela- 
tion, and of all religious experience from the begin- 
ning, as doubt of her eternal happiness : but he 
did this that God might be glorified, as in her 
life, so by her death. In the presence of many 
of her friends who were standing by, he said to 
her, " My dearest creature, is Jesus precious ?" 
She replied, "Yes, O yes, yes." He added, 
" My dearest love, I know Jesus Christ has long 
been your all in all ; can you now tell us he is 
so ?" She replied, " I can — he is — yes — but I 
am not able to speak." He again said, " O my 
dearest, it is enough." She then attempted to 
lift up her face to his, and kissed him with her 
quivering lips and latest breath. About ten 
o'clock, in the full hope of eternal life, she 
gently fell asleep in Jesus, in the thirty-ninth 
year of her age, leaving her inanimate clay in 
her dearest husband's arms, and seven children 
to lament their unspeakable loss. 

Thus lived and thus died one of the best of 
women. Almost every thing that is good may 
be said of her, if she be viewed as a daughter, 
a wife, a mother, a friend, a private Christian, 
or as a public person, particularly as a leader 
of classes and bands in the Methodist society. 
Almighty grace, to which alone be ascribed all 
the glory, got to itself indeed a victory in this 
amiable woman. 

Her filial duty was hardly to be exceeded. 

While she indulged herself in those pleasures 

which the world calls innocent, but which the 

children of God in all ages have known to be 

8 



114 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

inconsistent with vital religion, she enjoyed the 
smiles of her mother, and of a flattering world. 
But no sooner did she become a confessor of 
Christ, but the clouds of persecution lowered, 
and afterward fell upon her with great severity. 
Her mother not only confined her for a consi- 
derable time, but at last gave her the alternative 
of leaving her house, or of becoming her proper 
servant. She preferred the latter ; and though 
brought up in the most delicate manner, and of 
a very respectable family, she submitted to the 
trial, and for several months went through all 
her toils with a patience and meekness not to 
be shaken. Her mother finding her incorrigi- 
bly pious and steady to her God, (enthusiastic, 
as her mother would have termed it,) for the 
sake of her own honour, raised her again to the 
privileges of a child. But all this time Miss 
Roe discovered nothing but the height of filial 
affection ; and continued so to do in every in- 
stance till her mother's death. 

Her conjugal affection was equally great and 
steady ; and indeed (as may be observed from 
what has been already said) Mr. Rogers stood 
in need of such a helpmeet for him. When he 
was stationed in London, his steady attachment 
to the Methodist discipline raised up many pow- 
erful and bitter enemies against him. His suf- 
ferings were inexpressible, and his constitution 
very much impaired thereby ; though at the same 
time it must be observed, that a unanimous vote 
of thanks was granted him by the Methodist 
conference, for his exertions and his immoveable 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 115 

patience and fortitude in defence of Methodism. 
Mrs. Rogers was, to my knowledge, during those 
three years of severe trial, his support indeed. 
More true conjugal love could not, I think, be 
manifested by a wife to her husband, than was 
by her, both at that time, and, I verily believe, 
upon all occasions. It seems probable that she 
had received some presentiment of her approach- 
ing death ; which appears to be proved by a 
copy of verses which were found among some 
of her choice papers a little after her death. 
Those glowing effusions, which may be expect- 
ed to flow from the heart of a most affectionate 
wife, are so evidently displayed in these lines, 
that I transcribe the whole : — 

" My hour is come, and angels round me wait, 
To take me to their glorious happy state ; 
Where, free from sickness, death, and every pain, 
I shall with God in endless pleasures reign. 

" Transporting thought ! thou dearest man, adieu ! 
I feel no sorrow but in leaving you ; 
O thou, my comfort, thought, and only care, 
In these last words thy kindness I'll declare. 

" In truth, in constancy, in faithful love, 
Few could you equal, none superior prove ; 
Compell'd by frequent sickness to complain, 
You strove to lessen and t' assuage my pain. 

" More I would say, my gratitude to own, 
But breath forsakes me, and my pulse is gone : 

Adieu, dear man ! O spare 

This flood of grief, and of thy health take care. 

" My blessing to my babes ; thou wilt be kind 
To the dear infants whom I leave behind ; 
Train them to virtue, piety, and truth, 
And form their manners early in their youth 



116 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

" Farewell to all who now on me attend, 
The faithful servant, and the weeping friend ; 
The time is short till we shall meet again, 
With Christ, to share the glories of his reign." 

Her maternal care and affection shone equally 
bright. Though she devoted much of her time 
to religious duties in public and private, yet 
nothing seemed to be left undone which could 
make her children comfortable and happy. She 
even prevented all their wants ; and was equal- 
ly, nay, if it were possible, more attentive to 
Mr. Rogers's children by his former wife than 
to her own. To the whole of them she delight- 
ed to give " precept upon precept, precept upon 
precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a 
little and there a little !" watering the whole of 
her labours upon them with many tears, and 
daily fervent prayers. 

As a friend, she was faithful, and immoveable 
in her attachments : nothing but her friends for- 
saking God, could induce hereto abate her love 
for them. She was formed for society, and 
possessed the most delicate feelings which 
could arise from the social principle. And when 
some of her dearest intimates treated her with 
neglect, on account of some disputes in the con- 
nection, with which they had nothing to do, she 
could still weep, and love, and pray for them, 
not as unworthy of her friendship, or of the 
favour of God, but as led away from her by 
misinformation and error of understanding, and 
perhaps also by some deviations from the per- 
fect love of God. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 117 

But her greatest excellence consisted in the 
enjoyment of her God. A very considerable 
part of her life evidenced, that salvation from 
sin, and salvation from sufferings, are very dif- 
ferent things. Her firm patience under deep 
afflictions has been rarely, if ever, exceeded. 
Her sufferings on some occasions were very 
exquisite ; but her conduct at such times aston- 
ished all who were near her. Her spirits were 
astonishingly good at all times. She hardly 
ever in her life was in what is generally termed 
low spirits. She was ever cheerful, never light ; 
and always ready to lift up the hands of her 
husband and her friends, and to encourage their 
hearts. She enjoyed for many years that glo- 
rious blessing, which St. John in the fourth 
chapter of his first epistle speaks of as his own 
experience, and that of many of whom he was 
writing — that " perfect love of God which cast- 
eth out all fear that hath torment." In short, 
she walked with God ; she lived in the blaze 
of gospel day, and Christ was her all in all. 

And as a public person she was useful in a 
high degree. She never, indeed, assumed the 
authority of teaching in the church; but she 
visited the fatherless and widows in their afflic- 
tion, and delighted to pour out her soul in prayer 
for them. Very many dying persons entered 
into the liberty of God's children under her 
prayers and exhortations ; for she possessed a 
peculiar gift in bringing a present salvation home 
to the soul. The profit received in Macclesfield 
from her holy conversation, for years before she 



118 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

married, induced pious and mourning souls to 
visit her ; and a very considerable part of her 
time was daily spent in answering cases of con- 
science, spreading forth the loveliness and ex- 
cellences of Christ to penitents, and in building 
up believers in their most holy faith. She then 
was a leader of classes and bands, and a mother 
in Israel to the young believers intrusted to her 
care. After her marriage, she still became more 
extensively useful. Mr. Rogers, on his enter- 
ing into a circuit, would only give a few to her 
care, desiring her to complete the class out of 
the world ; and soon, by her conversation and 
prayers, and attention to every soul within her 
reach, would the number spring up to thirty or 
forty; and then her almost cruel husband, in 
this respect, for the glory of God, would trans- 
plant all the believers to other classes, and keep 
her thus continually working for the Lord. In 
the city of Dublin alone, Mr. Rogers himself 
confesses some hundreds of those whom he re- 
ceived into society, were brought to Christ, or 
were awakened, by her gentle, but incessant 
labours of love. In Cork also, and in London, 
a similar success attended her pious exertions. 
Thus did the Lord mould this blessed woman 
into his image, as the potter does his clay, and 
use her for his glory, as the ready writer does 
his pen, until she had served him in her gene- 
ration, and he said unto her, It is enough, come 
up higher. 

GO, AND DO THOU LIKEWISE. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 119 

APPENDIX 
To Mrs. Rogers's Funeral Sermon. 

WRITTEN BY HER HUSBAND. 

As this tremendous stroke of divine Provi- 
dence has wounded me in the tenderest nerve, I 
hope any irregularity of thought, or impropriety 
of expression, however censurable on other oc- 
casions, will be pardoned by the candid reader 
in the present instance ; especially as he will 
perceive, in the preceding sermon, that mine is 
more than a common loss. 

The valuable pamphlet lately published by my 
dear companion, which contains a clear account 
of her experience from her childhood, supersedes 
many remarkable occurrences which should 
otherwise have followed in this supplement ; 
and as that little performance either is, or may 
be, in the possession of any friend who desires 
it, I am unwilling to say the same things which 
are ranged there in a better manner than I am 
able to arrange them under my present circum- 
stances. If what follows is made useful to any 
of my friends, the return I desire is a constant 
interest in their sympathetic prayers, that I may 
be supported under my irreparable loss, and 
enabled to conduct myself in all things, during 
this most trying scene, not like a stoic, but as 
a Christian. 

My dear companion was certainly one of the 
best of wives. Her feeling sympathy and faith- 
ful love were, I believe, seldom equalled, and 



120 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

never exceeded ! With hers, my soul still feels, 
as it were, entwined and interwoven. She was 
(under God) the centre and constant spring of 
all my domestic happiness. In her I have not 
only lost one of the most valuable and faithful 
wives ; but my dear children, at the same time, 
are bereft of a most tender, affectionate parent, 
who always had their interest and happiness at 
heart. 

But what is incomparably more afflictive still 
to me, I have lost, in her, my best help in spirit- 
ual things ! She always gave me uncommon 
assistance in my labours, and greatly soothed all 
my cares and anxieties for the church in weal 
or wo. She was ever my comforter in the time 
of sorrow. The evenness of her temper, and 
the cheerfulness of her disposition, both in sick- 
ness and in health, were wonderful ! I never 
saw, for one moment, any thing like gloom in 
her countenance ; neither do I remember one 
trifling word ever to drop from her lips ; but, on 
the contrary, she was always ready for spiritual 
conversation ; and no company pained her mind 
equal to that where religious subjects were un- 
pleasing or impracticable. Witness her own 
words, soon after our arrival in Dublin : — 

"Mrs. invited us to dinner, where we 

met with much gay company. Dr. took 

up the attention of the whole, with his trifling, 
ridiculous conversation, so that it was a very 
unprofitable season ; and I cried to the Lord in 
my spirit, that we might have no more such 
visits as these !" — And, thank God, we had no 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 121 

more such while we continued in that city : but, 
on the contrary, our visits in general were se- 
rious, spiritual, and profitable ; so that some time 
afterward she remarks :— - 

11 We dined with Mr. S , and Mr. Henry 

Brook was with us. He appears to be a man 
of deep piety, and the conversation was profita- 
ble. Blessed be God, all our visits since the 
first have been more to his glory. My soul 
feels much nearness to the people, and a sweet 
assurance we shall be blessed among them, and 
made a blessing. — O ! for a heart-reviving show- 
er of grace, and pentecostal blessings ! The 
Lord I know sent us here, and surely it is for 
the good of souls : — My God, let this be pro- 
moted, and thou shalt have the endless praise !" 

Such was our union of soul and sentiment, 
that the secrets of our hearts were always open 
to each other. And it was no small consolation 
to me, that I had one upon earth so dear to 
God, who both knew and approved of all the 
motives from which I acted in public, as well 
as in private life. Hence it was, that from a 
conviction of her duty to God, she was ever 
ready to resist the unkindness of my opponents, 
and warn me against the craftiness of pretended 
friends ! and her penetration herein was aston- 
ishing, so that I do not remember I ever relied 
upon her judgment, or acted by her advice, but 
I found it good. 

As to her literary abilities, they were rather 
out of the common way. She had a critical 
knowledge of the English tongue ; and her ap- 



122 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

plication to reading from her infancy made her 
capable of conversing upon almost any subject, 
whether of an historical, philosophical, or the- 
ological nature. 

With respect to the labours of her pen, she 
was, of all I ever knew among her sex, the most 
assiduous. Writing seemed to be her peculiar 
talent ; and she took great delight therein, even 
from her childhood. And yet she never on that 
account, or, indeed, on any other, once neglect- 
ed any part of her domestic duty. She might 
be truly said to husband her time in order to 
improve this talent. While I was absent an 
hour one morning, breakfasting with a friend : — 
(and although she was prevented by sickness 
from accompanying me,) upon my return she, 
with her usual smile, presented me with the fol- 
lowing acrostic upon our marriage union : — 

" J esus, the source supreme of our delight 
A nd soul of all our joys, of all our might, 
M ade us of twain inseparably one, 
E ver to love as he hath loved his own, 
S o may we love — as Jesus loves his bride, 
A nd nothing shall' his love from her divide ; 
N othing make twain theypuls whom God hath join'd / 
D eath only leaves mortality behind. 
H eaven shall complete our union here begun, 
E ndless as vast eternal circles run. 
S ay, shall not then thy spirit join with mine, 
T o praise the wonders of the plan divine ! 
E ach vie with other, which shall swiftest move, 
R eady to strike afresh our harps above, 
A nd bless the Saviour, through whose love we love ! 
N o hand but thine, dear Jesus, mark'd the road, 
N o wisdom, love, or power, but that of God. 






MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 123 

R esolved to bless — He to each other gave ; 

! that through life — his utmost power to save ; 

G race upon grace, our happy souls may prove ; 

E nwrapp'd, implunged, and swallow'd up in love ; 

R eady to clap the wing — his call obey, 

S oar up together — love in endless day !" 

My dear partner never considered herself a 
poet ; nevertheless, these lines will show she 
was not entirely without the poetic talent also. 

Some of her letters, with a few other produc- 
tions in prose, have appeared in print ; but these 
are very small compared with the numerous 
manuscripts she has left. Besides the vast 
quantity of letters which she wrote to her pious 
correspondents, she kept a diary of her life, from 
the time of her conversion to God, (which was 
in the seventeenth year of her age,) till within a 
few days of her death. So that I am favoured 
with, I believe, not less than three thousand 
quarto pages, all written by her own hand : and 
every page clearly discovers that for the space 
of more than twenty years she enjoyed constant 
fellowship and communion with a triune God ; 
and that she never forsook her first love, nor lost 
a sense of the divine favour, from the day of 
her conversion to the hour of her death ! None 
but those who live in the same spirit, can pro- 
perly conceive the degree of intimacy which 
subsisted between her and her God. That the 
reader may be excited to press after the same 
enjoyment, I will here give him a specimen of 
the almost uninterrupted language of her heart 
and pen. 

" I was so happy in the night, that I had very 



124 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

little sleep, and I awoke with these words, ' The 
temple of an indwelling God !' My soul sunk 
into depths of nothingness, and enjoys closer 
union with him this day than ever before. 
Every moment I feel such a weight of love, as 
almost overpowers the faculties of nature ! I 
know I could bear no more and live ; but I often 
feel ready to cry, O give me more and let me 
die ! — I long to be freed from the earth ! But 
help me, Lord, to wait resigned, willing to suffer, 
or do for thee. I need not lay this body down 
to feel thy presence ! Thou dwellest in my 
heart, and shalt for ever dwell ! Thou art my 
present heaven ; my soul's eternal all. 

" I went to bed last night so full of the love 
of God, I could not sleep for several hours; 
but continued in secret intercourse with my Sa- 
viour. At preaching this morning I was so over- 
come with the love and presence, and exceeding 
glory of my triune God, that I sunk down unable 
to support it ! It was long before I could stand 
or speak ! All this day I have been lost in depths 
of love unutterable ! At the love-feast I was 
again overwhelmed with his immediate pre- 
sence ! All around me is God ! 

4 Within his circling arms I lie, 
Beset on every side !' " 

Some time after this she writes, 

"As I came from meeting I was so over- 
powered by the presence of God, that, had not 
a friend supported me, I could not have walked 
home ! I was lost in the depths of love, and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 125 

admitted, as it were, into trie immediate presence 
of my Lord's glory ! Yet I cannot explain it, 
for I saw no manner of similitude ; and was 
humbled into the dust before him ! It is often 
impressed on my mind, the Lord is preparing me 
for some severe trial. My whole soul cries out, 
Thy will be done ! Only let thy grace be suffi- 
cient for me. 

' Unsustain'd by thee, I fall ; 
Send the help for which I call ; 
Weaker than a bruised reed, 
Help I every moment need !' 

u Yes, — but, 

1 1 all thy power shall prove ; — 
Thy nature and thy name is love.' 

" Blessed be God, I feel this day an increase 
of holy nearness to him, and fellowship with 
him. At the prayer meeting, my body was 
quite overcome for half an hour together ! so did 
my Lord unfold his fulness of love to my soul. 
I seemed as in the presence of his glory, con- 
founded and overwhelmed with a sense of his 
purity, and his justice, his grace and love ! and 
was constrained to lie at his feet in speechless 
adoration and humblest praise ; while my body 
was covered with a cold sweat, and all around 
thought I was dying ! Well mightest thou say, 
O most adorable Jehovah, c No man can see my 
face and live !' For, when thou displayest only 
one faint ray, one glimpse of thy glorious pre- 
sence, this frail tabernacle is ready to crumble 
into dust before thee ! — But, ! I shall one day 



126 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

be capable of beholding thee face to face ! 
These eyes shall see thy glory ! and gaze for 
ever in ecstatic bliss ! Now, this corruptible 
clay cannot support itself under the weight of 
thy love ; but then it shall have put on incor- 
ruption, and be able to enjoy the full and eternal 
fruition of thy glory. 

" Mr. P. preached from, 'The grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and fel- 
lowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you.' Be- 
fore he had spoken ten minutes, I was filled with 
the triune God, and sunk motionless under an 
exceedingly great weight of love ! My outward 
senses were locked up ; but my spirit seemed 
surrounded with glory inexpressible ! I beheld 
Jesus, and was, as it were, overshadowed and 
weighed down by the presence and exceeding 
glory of the whole Deity ; I knew not where I 
was, or whether in the body ! But all was un- 
utterable bliss and glory ! After I came to my- 
self, I continued full of the divine presence, and 
a weight of love, such as enfeebled my whole 
frame. For many days and nights I could eat 
but little, and could seldom sleep more than an 
hour in twenty-four. 

" Afterward, I passed through scenes of close 
trial, (for which the Lord had thus been gra- 
ciously preparing me,) and, for a season, had not 
those peculiar manifestations ; but his grace was 
sufficient, and he brought me through waves, and 
clouds, and storms unhurt ! To him be glory 
for ever and ever." 

As the quotations in the preceding sermon are 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 127 

chiefly taken from my companion's later manu- 
scripts, I have transcribed these from what she 
wrote at an earlier period ; which, when com- 
pared together, show, that as she began, so she 
finished her happy course ! And although (as 
she observes) her ecstatic joy was sometimes 
checked by various trials, yet the same ground 
for rejoicing continued : viz., faith and a pure 
conscience. And, besides the testimony of her 
own papers, I am witness that many times I 
have seen her as happy in God as she could 
well be, and exist below ; so that I have been 
even afraid it would prove too much for the 
earthen vessel to bear ! 

She had a singular taste for reading from her 
youth. In her unawakened state, her delight 
was in the perusal of entertaining novels and 
romances ; and when a well- written history fell 
in her way, she thought little of reading three or 
four hundred octavo pages in a day, till she got 
through it ; which she did with this advantage, 
that she generally made the substance of it her 
own. But since her acquaintance with vital re- 
ligion, Rollin's Ancient History was her chief 
favourite ; as she said she found most of God in 
it ; and because it clearly illustrated the prophe- 
cies, and confirmed the truth of revelation. 

But, of late years, (though she still read dif- 
ferent authors at convenient opportunities,) the 
Bible was her chief study, and in it she took un- 
common delight. Our usual rule was, to read 
one chapter every morning as a part of family 
worship ; but for some time before the Lord took 



128 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

my dearest partner, we agreed to read three : 
one out of the Old Testament in the morning ; 
one out of the Gospel at noon ; and one at night 
out of the Acts or some of the Epistles. And, 
besides these, when unable to attend upon the 
public ministry of the word, when sickness and 
pain forbade her doing it herself, she would call 
the servant to read to her. And, at intervals, 
when her strength would allow it, she often 
made remarks, and drew practical inferences 
as they went on. 

When alone, she often read the Bible kneel- 
ing : on which occasion, we frequently find her 
breaking forth in language of this sort : " Read- 
ing the word of God in private this day was an 
unspeakable blessing. O ! how precious are the 
promises. What a depth in these words : ( For 
all the promises of God in him are yea, and in 
him, amen, unto the glory of God.' Yes, my 
soul, they are so to thee ! The Father delights 
to fulfil, and the Spirit to seal them on my heart. 
O that dear invaluable truth ! 

1 Ready art thou to receive ; 
Readier is thy God to give.' 

" The Lord poured his love abundantly into 
my soul while worshipping before him : and I 
was enabled to renew my covenant, to be wholly 
and for ever his ! O how precious are his ways 
to my soul, suited to my weakness, worthy of a 
God ! I am nothing ! He is all. I momentarily 
live upon his smiles, and dwell under the shadow 
of his wings ; I desire nothing but to please him : 
to grow in inward conformity to his will ; and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 129 

sink deeper into humble love ; to let the light of 
what his grace hath bestowed, shine on all 
around, and to live and die proclaiming, God is 
love." 

I think myself bound, in justice to her amiable 
character, here to remark, that notwithstanding 
the tenderness of her affection for me, and the 
great sensibility of her feelings at my leaving 
her, (which I had often done when she was very 
unwell,) yet she never, to my knowledge, once 
attempted to prevent me from going on my Lord's 
errand. No : she knew the importance of the 
message too well to do that. As to her own 
usefulness in the church of God, it will best 
appear when the light of eternity discovers it : 
in Macclesfield, Dublin, Cork, and London, her 
name will be precious to her numerous and kind 
friends, (and especially to the children of her 
faith and prayers,) while memory lasts ! and, I 
believe, numbers of these will bless God in an 
eternal world that they ever saw her face. Per- 
haps some may be found even in Birmingham, 
where she closed her useful, happy life, to 
whom the name of Mrs. Rogers will long be 
precious ! 

And yet, notwithstanding her extraordinary 
zeal for God and the salvation of souls, her good 
sense, joined with that Christian modesty which 
is ever becoming her sex, taught her as to the 
manner how to proceed in saving souls from 
death. The sphere in which she moved was, 
to visit the sick ; to teach her own sex in pri- 
vate ; and to pray, whenever providentially call- 
9 



130 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

ed upon, whether in public or private. And to 
her might be applied that scripture : " Whoso- 
ever hath, (or uses what he hath,) to him shall 
be given, and he shall have more abundantly." 
The divine unction which attended her prayer, 
added to the manner in which she pleaded with 
God for instantaneous blessings, was very ex- 
traordinary, and generally felt by all present. 
A conviction from God that she ought to use 
this talent, constrained her even to hold meet- 
ings in her neighbours' houses, for the purpose 
of praying with the distressed in soul, and with 
as many more as chose to attend. 

During our stay in Dublin, she met weekly, 
three women's classes, consisting of about thirty 
members each, in all ninety ; to whom she was 
called to speak individually, besides the many 
occasional conversations she had with others 
about the state of their souls. At Cork she met 
two large classes, mostly new members, to whom 
she had been useful ; and was indeed the chief 
instrument of bringing them into the society ; as 
was also the case with very many of those she 
met in Dublin. 

In London, although called to the charge of 
Mr. Wesley's family, in addition to her own, she 
at once filled the place of housekeeper at the 
City Road, (in which station she acquitted her- 
self with honour for two years,) and at the same 
time had the charge of two large classes. Her 
third and last year in London was not less profita- 
ble to her friends ; many of whom followed her 
to Spitalfields, where several new members were 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 131 

added to her classes ; and, I believe, most of 
those who attended that means of grace with 
her, both in that and other places, found it good 
for their souls. — While speaking to, or praying 
with them, many, very many, have been enabled 
to witness a clear sense of God's forgiving love ; 
and others, at the same time, have obtained sal- 
vation from inbred sin — a doctrine this, of which 
she had the clearest views. And to its validity, 
her own conduct bore a constant testimony. 

" Through all her words the soul within, 
The honest, artless soul was seen, 

Ingenuous, pure, and free ; 
Candour and love were sweetly join'd 
With easy nobleness of mind, 

And true simplicity." 

And although she clearly perceived the need 
of a gradual work, daily exhorting believers to 
grow in grace, yet she saw it her duty to bid 
those who felt the burden of indwelling sin, to 
look for the total destruction of it in one moment ; 
ever pressing them to believe for the blessing ; 
to believe now ; insisting, " If thou canst be- 
lieve, all things are possible to him that be- 
lieveth." And the Lord set his seal to the truths 
she enforced. Many, through her means, were 
instantaneously delivered from the remains of a 
carnal mind, so as to " rejoice evermore, pray 
without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks." 

As great a matter as the attaining this bless- 
ing may appear, it is a yet greater thing to hold 
it fast. And as the following circumstance had 
a most blessed effect on the mind of my dear 



132 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

companion, when she was comparatively a babe 
in this grace, greatly tending to establish her 
therein, I will, for the sake of others, transcribe 
the following account, just as she wrote it at the 
time. And but few events did I ever hear her 
mention with greater pleasure than it. 

" Leeds, Aug. 24, 1781. — That dear man of 
God, Mr. Fletcher, came with Miss Bosanquet, 
(now Mrs. Fletcher,) to dine at Mr. Smith's in 
Park-row, and also to meet the select society. 
After dinner I took an opportunity to beg he 
would explain an expression he once used to 
Miss Loxdale, in a letter, viz., ' That on all who 
are renewed in love, God bestows the gift of 
prophecy.' He called for the Bible ; then read, 
and sweetly explained the second chapter of the 
Acts ; observing, To prophesy in the sense he 
meant, was to magnify God with the new heart 
of love, and the new tongue of praise, as they 
did, who, on the day of pentecost, were filled with 
the Holy Ghost ! And he insisted that believers 
are now called to make the same confession ; 
seeing we may all prove the same baptismal 
fire : showing, that the day of pentecost was 
only the opening of the dispensation of the Holy 
Ghost ; the great promise of the Father ! And 
that the latter-day glory, which he believed was 
near at hand, should far exceed the first effusion 
of the Spirit. And, therefore, seeing they then 
bore witness to the grace of our Lord, so should 
we ; and, like them, spread the flame of love. 
Then, after singing a hymn, he cried — '0 to be 
filled with the Holy Ghost ! I want to be filled 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 133 

O my friends, let us wrestle for a more abundant 
outpouring of the Spirit.' To me he said, ' Come, 
my sister, will you covenant with me this day, 
to pray for the fulness of the Spirit 1 Will you 
be a witness for Jesus V I answered, with flow- 
ing tears, ' In the strength of Jesus I will.' He 
cried, ' Glory, glory, glory be to God ! Lord, 
strengthen thy handmaid to keep this covenant, 
even unto death.' He then said, ' My dear 
brethren and sisters, God is here ; I feel him in 
this place : but I would hide my face in the 
dust, because I have been ashamed to declare 
what he hath done for me. For many years I 
have grieved his Spirit ; but I am deeply hum- 
bled : and he has again restored my soul.' Last 
Wednesday evening he spoke to me by these 
words, ' Reckon yourselves therefore to be dead 
indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord.' I obeyed the voice of 
God ; I now obey it, and I tell you all, to the 
praise of his love, ' I am free from sin !' Yes, I 
rejoice to declare it, and to bear witness to the 
glory of his grace, that I am dead unto sin, and 
alive unto God, through Jesus Christ, who is my 
Lord and King. I received this blessing four or 
five times before ; but I lost it by not observing 
the order of God ; who has told us, ' W r ith the 
heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with 
the mouth confession is made unto salvation.' 
But the enemy offered his bait under various 
colours, to keep me from a public declaration of 
what my Lord had wrought. 

11 'When I first received this grace, Satan bid 



134 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

me wait awhile, till I saw more of the fruits : I 
resolved to do so ; but I soon began to doubt of 
the witness, which, before, I had felt in my 
heart ; and was in a little time sensible I had 
lost both. — A second time, after receiving this 
salvation, (with shame I confess it,) I was kept 
from being a witness for my Lord, by the sug- 
gestion, ' Thou art a public character : the eyes 
of all are upon thee : and if, as before, by any 
means thou lose the blessing, it will be a dis- 
honour to the doctrine of heart holiness,' &c. 
I held my peace, and again forfeited the gift of 
God ! At another time I was prevailed upon to 
hide it by reasoning, How few, even of the 
children of God, will receive this testimony; 
many of them supposing every transgression of 
the Adamic law is sin : and therefore, if I pro- 
fess myself to be free from sin, all these will 
give my profession the lie : because I am not 
free, in their sense : I am not free from igno- 
rance, mistakes, and various infirmities : I will, 
therefore, enjoy what God has wrought in me, 
but I will not say, I am perfect in love. — Alas ! 
I soon found again, ' He that hideth his Lord's 
talent, and improveth it not, from that unprofi- 
table servant shall be taken away even that he 
hath.' 

" ' Now, my brethren, you see my folly ; I have 
confessed it in your presence, and now I resolve, 
before you all, to confess my Master; I will 
confess him to all the world : and I declare unto 
you, in the presence of God, the holy Trinity, I 
am now ' dead indeed unto sin.' I do not say, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 135 

' I am crucified with Christ ;' because some of 
our well-meaning brethren say, ' By this can only 
be meant a gradual dying ;' but I profess unto 
you, I am dead unto sin, and alive unto God ! 
And remember all this is ' through Jesus Christ 
our Lord.' He is my Prophet, Priest, and King : 
my indwelling holiness : my all in all. I wait 
for the fulfilment of that prayer, ' That they all 
may be one : as thou, Father, art in me, and I 
in thee, that they also may be one in us ; and 
that they be one, even as we are one-.' O for 
that pure baptismal flame ! for the fulness of 
the dispensation of the Holy Ghost : pray ; pray 
— pray for this : this shall make us all of one 
heart and of one soul : pray for gifts : for the 
gift of utterance ; and confess your royal Mas- 
ter. A man without gifts is like the king in 
disguise ; he appears as a subject only. You 
are kings and priests unto God. Put on, there- 
fore, your robes, and wear on your garments, 
Holiness to the Lord.'' 

" A few days after this I heard Mr. Fletcher 
preach from the same subject, which greatly 
encouraged and strengthened me. Inviting all 
who felt their need of full redemption to believe 
now for this great salvation, he observed, ' As 
when you reckon with your creditor, or with 
your host ; and, as when you have paid all, you 
reckon yourselves free, so now reckon with God. 
Jesus hath paid all : and he hath paid for thee ; 
hath purchased thy pardon and holiness. There- 
fore, it is now God's command, ' Reckon thyself 
dead unto sin ;' and thou art alive unto God from 



136 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

this hour ! O begin, begin to reckon now : fear 
not ; believe, believe, believe ; and continue to 
believe every moment ; so shalt thou continue 
free ; for it is retained as it is received, by faith 
alone. And, whosoever thou art that persever- 
ingly believest, it will be as a fire in thy bosom, 
and constrain thee to confess with thy mouth 
the Lord and King Jesus ; and in spreading the 
sacred flame of love, thou shalt still be saved to 
the uttermost. 

" He also dwelt largely on those words, 
'Where sin abounded, grace did much more 
abound.' He asked, ' How did sin abound ? Had 
it not overspread your whole soul ? Were not 
all your passions, tempers, propensities, and af- 
fections, inordinate and evil ? Did not pride, 
anger, self-will, and unbelief, all reign in you ? 
And when the Spirit of God strove with you, 
did you not repel all his convictions, and put 
him far from you ? Well, my brethren, 6 Ye 
were then the servants of sin, and were free 
from righteousness ; but now being made free 
from sin, ye become servants to God ;' and holi- 
ness shall overspread your whole soul ; so that 
all your tempers and passions shall be hence- 
forth regulated and governed by Him who now 
sitteth upon the throne of your heart, making all 
things new. They shall therefore all be holy. 
And as you once resisted the Holy Spirit, so 
now you shall have power as easily to resist 
all the subtle frauds or fierce attacks of Satan : 
yea, his suggestions to evil shall be like a ball 
thrown against a wall of brass : — it shall rebound 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 137 

again ; and you shall know what that meaneth, 

* The prince of this world cometh, and hath no- 
thing in me.' 

" He then, with lifted hands, cried, * Who will 
thus be saved ? Who will believe the report ? 
You are only in an improper sense called be- 
lievers, who reject this ! Who is a believer 1 
One that believes a few things which his God 
has spoken ? Nay, but one that believes all that 
ever proceeded even out of his mouth. Here, 
then, is the word of the Lerd : ' As sin abounded, 
grace shall much more abound.' As no good 
thing was in you by nature, so now no evil thing 
shall remain. Do you believe this? or are you 
a half believer only ? Come, Jesus is offered to 
thee as a perfect Saviour ; take him, and he 
will make thee a perfect saint. O ! ye half 
believers, will ye still plead for the murderers 
of your Lord ? Which of these will you hide 
as a serpent in your bosom ? Shall it be anger, 
pride, self-will, or accursed unbelief? O be no 
longer befooled : bring these enemies to thy 
Lord, and let him slay them.' 

" Some days after this, being in Mr. Fletcher's 
company, he took me by my hand, and said, 

* Glory be to God ; for you, my sister, still bear 
a noble testimony for your Lord. Do you repent 
your confession of his salvation ?' I answered, 
1 Blessed be God, I do not.' At going away, he 
again took me by the hand, saying, with eyes and 
heart lifted up, ' Bless her, heavenly Power !' 
It seemed as if an instant answer was given, and 
a beam of glory let down ! I was filled with deep 



138 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

humility and love ; yea, my whole soul over- 
flowed with unutterable sweetness." 

As my beloved companion enjoyed that purity 
of heart mentioned by our Lord in Matt, v, 8 
so did she see God in all things ! She greatly 
delighted in secret retirement and private inter- 
course Avith him. She had strong confidence in 
a particular providence presiding over all that 
respected her : and as she believed that " the 
very hairs of our head are numbered, and that 
a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without our 
neavenly Father," so was she led to ask of God 
various things which many professors of religion 
seldom think of praying for. And it is remark- f 
able how many are the instances which she has 
recorded as direct answers to her prayers. I 
will here transcribe two or three. 

"June 29, 1782. — This day the Lord instan- 
taneously removed a rapid mortification in my 
dear mother's leg, in answer to prayer. The 
doctor having given his opinion that in a few 
hours it would be fatal, I flew to my almighty 
Refuge, and felt I had power with God, through 
faith in that promise : ' The prayer of faith shall 
save the sick.' And when, in half an hour, I 
looked again at the wound, all the bad symptoms 
were gone : and the same doctor, standing as- 
tonished, said no danger now appeared. I could 
not forbear weeping aloud for joy and gratitude, 
praising the God of my life." 

"Nov. 29, 1785. — A lady of genteel appear- 
ance, whom I had not seen before, requested to 
speak with me. I found she had come secretly 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 139 

to hear preaching for some months, and was 
under deep awakenings. Her husband is a man 
of fortune, but a professed infidel ; believes in 
neither God, devil, heaven, nor hell ; mocks at 
the Scriptures, especially the New Testament ; 
and will neither attend any place of public wor- 
ship himself, nor suffer her to do so. And what 
added to her affliction, his bad state of health de- 
termined him to go to live in France. She cried, 
1 What will become of me there ? No means 
of grace : no friend to fly to : in a country of 
idolaters abroad, and infidels at home : my sinful 
heart, and the temptations of Satan to struggle 
with : I shall lose all my good desires, and my 
poor soul will be ruined !' 

" I asked, ' Is there no way to prevent this V 
She answered, ' No.' I said, ' But the Lord can 
prevent it ; and if not for his glory, he will.' 
c Ha !' said she, ' I fear nothing can prevent it ; 
the carriage is preparing, and the time is fixed.' 
I replied, ' Only put the whole into the Lord's 
hand, and you are safe. Trust in God, and make 
it a matter of prayer ; and if the journey be not 
for your good, though it come to the last hour, 
he will prevent it. Nay, if you should even set 
out, he can, by a thousand means, turn you back, 
and he will. Did he not suffer the three He- 
brew children to be cast into the furnace ? Yet 
the fire had no power to consume. Daniel was 
cast into the den ; but the God you are called 
to trust, shut the lions' jaws. St. John was put 
into the cauldron of boiling oil ; yet he received 
no harm. This God, w r ho is the same yester- 



140 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

day, to-day, and for ever, will prevent this jour- 
ney if you trust in him ; or he will make it a 
blessing to your soul.' I then went to prayer, 
and at parting bid her pray much for her hus- 
band, and believe all things are possible with 
God. 

" Some time after she called on me, and told 
me she had taken my advice, and prayed for her 
husband, who, a few nights ago, had a remark- 
able dream, which much affected and astonished 
him. He thought he was giving orders to his 
coach- maker about his new carriage, and more 
especially about one of the wheels ; when the 
man turned about and said, in a very solemn 
manner, ' Sir, you need not trouble yourself 
about that wheel, for the Lord Jesus Christ has 
the whole management of it.' He was filled 
with surprise, and awoke. I again commended 
her to God in prayer, and she returned home not 
a little comforted. 

" A few days afterward a note was sent to 
request public thanks to almighty God for his 
power and love manifested in behalf of a person 
whose name is unknown. The messenger, call- 
ing on me at the same time, said, ' Thank God, 
this journey is prevented at last !' I asked, ' But 
how was this brought to pass V She said, ' Only 
two days ago, all was fixed for the journey; 
and on this day they were to set off. But the 
Lord afflicted the physician who advised them 
to go. And Mr. , finding himself very poor- 
ly, called in another doctor, who assured him he 
could not undergo the journey, and that France 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 141 

is not a proper place for his constitution, and 
therefore all thoughts of going are at an end.' 

" O how my soul was filled with wonder, love, 
and praise ! Who that considers the above, will 
not see omnipotence, love, and faithfulness ex- 
erted in answer to prayer ! Who would not 
wish for such a friend ! Who would not love, 
serve, and confide in such a God ! Who would 
not own, ' He heareth prayer, and to him should 
all flesh come !' And how wonderful is such a 
dream of the Lord Jesus Christ by a man of 
such principles ! Surely it was all of God, and 
to him alone is due all the glory." 

" March 5, 1790. — In private, I had peculiar 
liberty in praying for my dear husband, that he 
might experience all the depth of Jesus' love 
more abundantly than ever, and be the happy 
means of leading me also into further degrees 
of inward salvation ; that our union might ever 
tend to a yet closer union with our God, and all 
our outward mercies lead to this. While I pray- 
ed, I felt assured my Lord was well pleased, 
and would send an answer to my largest desires. 
Next morning Mr. Rogers awoke very happy, 
having had a precious view of the deep things 
of God : he dreamed that he felt the clear wit- 
ness of sanctiflcation, and his soul seemed full 
of gratitude and love. In taking a ride out to- 
gether, and laying open our whole hearts to each 
other, as we frequently did, I found my soul un- 
speakably happy ; while we resolved to be more 
spiritual, more devoted to God, and more zealous 
in saving souls than ever. This was made a 



142 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

great blessing to me ; and doubly so, as I believe 
it an answer to my prayer." 

The last instance I shall cite, took place only 
a little before her death. "June 10, 1794. — I 
had a peculiar season in wrestling prayer with 
my God this night, on account of my dear little 
Mary. The great weakness of her limbs for 
three months past, and her seeming total inability 
to walk, has caused much pain to my dear hus- 
band as well as myself. It appears to me I had 
used every possible means in vain. But this 
night I had power to cry unto my God, and tell 
him, ' Thou art the same, yesterday, to-day, and 
for ever: thou art my God.' Thou hast said, 
■' Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will 
hear thee.' Thou hast healed cripples, made 
the lame to walk, yea, raised even the dead, in 
answer to praying faith ! Lord, hear me now : 
stoop to my request : let the child's feet and ankle 
bones receive strength ; give power to walk, and 
let me soon know thou hast heard my prayer : 
and I had power to believe it should be done ; 
and my soul was filled with the divine presence. 
Thursday the 12th. — I already see an answer 
to my prayer in the child. She is greatly 
strengthened in her limbs. How good, how 
faithful, how condescending is the Lord ! We 
may — I may, like Abraham, like Moses, like 
Elijah, ask and obtain." 

Such were the habits of intimacy which my 
dear partner enjoyed with her beloved Saviour, 
that even when her outward senses were locked 
up by sleep, he would frequently speak to her 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 143 

heart ; and in dreams and visions of the night 
appeared to strengthen her in times of trial ; 
warn her of danger, or prepare her for trouble 
before it came ! One instance out of many I will 
here mention. It happened about four years 
after our marriage, and was attended with much 
comfort to her mind ever after when she recur- 
red to it. 

" Having been exercised with an uncommon 
sense of various short comings and daily in- 
firmities for some days past, I awoke this morn- 
ing, lost, overwhelmed, and swallowed up in 
love, joy, and praise, occasioned by the following 
dream. I thought I was in an elegant house, 
and was desired by one to go into that room, 
(pointing the way,) and I should see the late 
Mrs. Rogers. I wondered, but obeyed : I thought 
I entered the room, which was hung all round 
with clean white linen ; and upon a bed I saw 
the beautiful corpse of my dear departed sister 
and friend ! I looked, and loved the precious 
remains ; when, to my great astonishment, her 
eyes opened ! She smiled on me, and raised 
herself up. I exclaimed, in a rapture of joyful 
surprise, ' Is it possible ! has the Lord permitted 
you to revive, so as to speak to me V She re- 
plied, with unutterable sweetness, ' All things, 
my dear, are possible with God. He has per- 
mitted it for your comfort.' 'O!' said I, ' what 
would I have often given to converse one hour 
with you, since you were taken?' She said, 
' There was no need, my dear, God has been 
with you.' I answered, ' Yes, he has ; but O ! 



144 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

tell me, have I acted my part aright in your 
place ? Does God, in this, approve of me V She 
smiled again, and said, ' He does : and in all 
things he is well pleased ; and he will yet 
strengthen and bless you to the end ! He loves 
you, and he will save you in every time of trou- 
ble. You have nothing to fear : for you will be 
happy in life, in death, and for ever. You are 
dear to God ; and it is to comfort you he per- 
mits me to appear and tell you this.' 

" I thought in my dream she said much more : 
but this is all I can distinctly recollect. And it 
so overcame me with transport, that I awoke : 
but my body was bathed in sweat, and my soul, 
as in the dream, filled with God, with heaven, 
and with unspeakable bliss ; so that I could not 
refrain awaking my dear husband to tell him : 
and could sleep no more, but continued praising 
God until the morning. The more I considered 
his condescending goodness herein, the more I 
am lost in love, self-abasement, and speechless 
gratitude." 

This dream was made a great blessing to jis 
both ; and it is attended with no small consola- 
tion to me, especially under my present circum- 
stances, to conceive that the inhabitants of heaven 
know well the transactions of earth ! And (to 
waive the almost innumerable and well-authen- 
ticated instances of recent date) that they do so 
is beyond a doubt ; or how could they be said 
to " rejoice over every sinner that repenteth ?" 
And when Moses and Elijah conversed with our 
Lord, it was on the bitter cup he was to drink in 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 145 

Jerusalem; of consequence, they remembered 
that place, as well as those prophecies which 
were to be fulfilled upon that occasion. And if 
the pious poor retain so lively a sensation in the 
other world of the favours conferred on them in 
this, as to wait for the arrival of their kind bene- 
factors, in order to " receive them into everlast- 
ing habitations," (Luke xvi, 11,) what kind offices 
may we not expect from those who, for many 
years, were our faithful companions in the king- 
dom and patience of Jesus ? " Are they not all 
(as well as the angels) ministering spirits, sent 
forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of 
salvation ?" And what angel (except the Angel 
of the covenant, who took upon him our nature, 
and was touched with the feeling of our infirmi- 
ties) is so well qualified for this office and guar- 
dianship as they 1 And it is even probable a part 
of their heaven consists in the pleasure of at- 
tending those who are yet probationers in this 
world of wo ! especially when they see us at- 
tentive to the will of Him that sent them. 

Hard as it was to part, my dear companion 
would have found it harder still, but for the same 
persuasion which constantly rested with her, as 
appears from her own words, saying, " I feel 
myself very poorly in body, and several symp- 
toms threaten my dissolution ; but my soul is 
kept in perfect peace : I know, i For me to live 
is Christ, and to die is gain.' It seems as if the 
Lord had been of late preparing me for himself. 
And yet, when I think of leaving the dearest of 
earthly comforts, it is like rending of self from 
10 



146 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

self ; of nature from nature ; and of flesh from 
the bone ! Nevertheless, when I reflect, the 
separation is only for a moment, compared with 
eternity! and that death itself cannot disunite 
our spirits, it greatly helps me to say, Lord, not 
as I will, but as thou wilt." 

It seems easy to learn from the preceding 
pages that, be our attainments in piety what 
they will, they have not the least tendency to 
dissolve the endearing ties of natural affection ; 
on the contrary, that religion, by refining, tends 
to increase both the fervour and constancy of 
our love. But what are all other ties, of which 
the human heart is capable, compared with 
that holy and spiritual union, ever subsisting 
between those whom God, in every sense, hath 
made one? 

I am conscious the tenderest of maternal ties 
possessed the heart of my dear companion ; yet 
these, when it came to the point, were dissolved 
with comparative ease ! as were, also, all her 
other friendly attachments — with one only ex-* 
ception, of myself ] 

" Not even in death her friendship dies ! 
With grateful pity and surprise 

I ask, how can it be ? 
Loosen'd from all she leaves behind, 
Yet still — she cleaves to me. 

11 On me she rests her dying head, 
And catching, grasps a broken reed, 

But will not let me part : 
Till Jesus visits her again, 
By nobler love dissolves the chain, 
And frees her struggling heart. " 



MRS. HESTER Ax\N ROGERS. 147 

God alone can tell you what I felt in that 
dread moment, when her Lord gave the signal 
for dismission, and I was called to return the 
last parting kiss ! For some time I could only 
breathe, as it were, in silent accents, " O ! my 
God, let my latter end be like hers ! Come, O 
come quickly, and prepare me to follow her." It 
is still the language of my bleeding heart, — 

" let me on her image dwell, 
The soul-transporting spectacle, 

On whom even angels gaze ! 
A pious saint matured for God, 
And shaking off her earthly clod, 

To see his open face. 

" I see the generous friend sincere ! 
Her voice still vibrates in my ear, 

The voice of truth and love ! 
It calls me to put off my clay, 
And bids me soar with her away 

To fairer worlds above !" 

Well ! thank God, a moment cannot always last ! 
And 

" He who set my partner free, 
Shall quickly send for you and me !" 

Only let us take care that our loins are girt, 
and our lights burning as brightly as hers, when 
our Lord cometh, and all shall be well. All 
who knew my valuable companion, will allow 
that these pages contain but a small part of what 
might be said upon a character every way so 
amiable. But there is a day coming when her 
real value shall be made manifest. 



148 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

The honour of being united to such a woman, 
fills my soul with unfeigned gratitude before God. 
And although at present I am left to feel my 
loss, I am supported from above in a manner that 
exceeds all description. The heartfelt pre- 
sence of God, which, from the time he took my 
all of earthly treasure, I have not wanted for 
one moment, more than compensates for the 
absence of all created good ! if I can suppose 
her absent, who, under God, was the centre of 
all earthly treasure to me ! And now unto Him 
who had a prior right I freely resign this all, 
because his right is infinitely superior to mine ! 
In the act of offering a sacrifice so pleasing to 
my God, I feel that our union in him is of eter- 
nal duration ; and that as sure as my beloved 
partner now sleeps in Jesus, even so surely will 
God bring her with him, and present her to me 
again : " For the Lord Jesus himself shall de- 
scend from heaven with a shout, with the voice 
of the archangel, and with the trump of God ; 
and then we shall be caught up together in the 
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air ; and so shall 
we ever be with the Lord." Thus comforted, 
and knowing the time is short, I shall here take 
leave of my beloved wife, leaving her to rest in 
His arms ! where, 

Supremely bless'd with perfect peace, 
She loves me now without excess, 

Or passionate allc ; 
Serene she waits my spirit's flight, 
To range with her the plains of light, 

And climb the mount of joy. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 149 

Reposed in those Elysian seats, 
Where Jonathan his David meets, 

Our souls shall soon embrace : 
The utmost power of friendship prove, 
Commenced on earth, matured above, 

In ecstacies of praise. 

How shall we sing and triumph there, 
Our dagners and escapes compare, 

Our days of flesh and wo : 
How comprehend the plan divine, 
And sweetly in his praises join, 

Through whom wc meet below ; 

Through whom in paradise we meet, 
Great Author of our joy complete, 

The Jesus we proclaim ; 
While all the saints stand listening round, 
And all the realms of bliss resound, 

Salvation to the Lamb. 

The Lamb has brought us through the fire ! 
The Lamb shall raise our raptures higher, 

When all from earth are driven ; 
Our glorious Head shall cleave the skies, 
And bid his church triumphant rise 
From Paradise to Heaven. 

James Rogers. 
Birmingham, March 29, 1795. 



150 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 



A Supplement to the Appendix : consisting of 
Miscellaneous Extracts from the Journals of 
Mrs, Hester Ann Rogers. 

Dublin, Nov. 7, 1786. — This day my soul 
hath felt much of the power of God, and a sweet 
solemnity, which I can but faintly describe. In 
calling to visit a friend who is dangerously ill 
of the pleurisy, I was led to bring her very near 
the time when I shall bid adieu to all beneath 
the sun. I saw it an awful thing to die ; yet 
rejoiced to feel the sting of death entirely gone ; 
and a witness that if I was called, like her, to 
gasp for another and another breath, and to offer 
up my spirit, it would surely be into the arms 
of Jesus. But how was the importance of im- 
proving my present mercies impressed on my 
mind, — the necessity of now employing every 
talent for God ! In a state like hers, I should be 
very unfit to call upon God even for my own 
soul : much less would it be in my power to 
persuade, warn, reprove, or exhort others. My 
God has at present intrusted me with precious 
time and opportunities. O let me improve, and 
not betray my trust, — but only for thy glory live, 
and to thy glory die ! 

In the evening my dear husband preached 
with peculiar freedom from, " All are yours." 
In the course of his sermon he went through 
" Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or 
life, or death," &c, and in the last instance ob- 
served, " We are immortal till our work is done : 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 151 

till then, men and devils combined cannot kill." 
He likewise mentioned that memorable saying of 
King William, who, at the battle of the Boyne, 
when in the most imminent danger, exclaimed, 
(to encourage his men,) " Every bullet hath its 
billet !" showing our life is in the hand of God 
alone ; when, on a sudden, the congregation was 
all alarmed by a man with a large loaded pistol 
being seized at the door. I was in the gallery, 
and therefore ignorant of what caused the up- 
roar ; and my employment was to quiet the 
women, who were all for rushing down stairs, 
many of them ready to fall into fits. I had no 
fear whatever ; the sermon had been a blessing 
to my soul, and I was kept in perfect peace. 
When I came into the yard, and heard the par- 
ticulars, I found that this villain had come into 
the preaching house, and sat opposite the pulpit 
for half an hour, while Mr. Rogers was preach- 
ing ; then, on receiving a watchword from his 
comrades, went out. And our maid, who, at 
the same time, came into the yard, unperceived 
in the dark, heard them plotting together, and 
resolving to fire the pistol at Mr. Rogers, and 
make off. Another friend, who was nearer than 
they imagined, also heard them muttering and 
cursing one of them, bidding him with the pistol 
" aim at the cushion." In that moment the door- 
keeper and two other friends desired them to 
quit the yard, when this fellow rushed toward 
the door with violence, and attempted to knock 
down brother Ransford with the butt end of his 
large pistol ; but he avoided the blow, and only 



152 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

received a slight hurt on the side of his head. 
The ruffian was then seized by a number of our 
friends, and taken to the watch-house. When 
examined, he denied he had any pistol, and 
ursed Mr. Rogers, and all the Methodists, bit- 
terly. He was ordered to Newgate, and there 
confined. The constable came next morning 
and told us Sir Roger Smith, justice of the 
peace, had examined the pistol, and found it 
loaded with a large charge of the best gunpow- 
der, and six leaden balls, which he showed me : 
they were very ragged and sharp. 

All these things put together, I was now 
much more affected than before ; as it appeared 
plain that a deep-laid plot had been concerted, 
and there was every reason to believe the in- 
tention was to have shot my dear husband 
while he was preaching. The wonderful pre- 
vention filled me with gratitude and humble 
praise. While Mr. R. and several friends went 
to Newgate to interrogate the ruffian, I spent a 
precious hour of intercourse with my God. 
And in sweetly committing to him the whole 
affair, I had some liberty to intercede for the 
poor wretch, but more in praying for my dear 
partner: when the Lord graciously applied 
these words, — " Not a hair of his head shall 
perish : wherefore, in patience possess ye your 
souls." I blessed him for the promise and the 
precept, and was rilled with divine consolation. 
The night after this happened, Mr. Peacock 
preached with great liberty, from, " Fear not 
them which kill the body, and after that have 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 153 

no more that they can do." His word was a 
blessing to me and many ; especially his quot- 
ing that text : " Touch not mine anointed, and 
do my prophets no harm." Two persons re- 
turned thanks this evening ; one for pardon, the 
other for being renewed in love ; both of them 
under the sermon last night. Well may Satan 
rage at a work like this, now going forward in 
this city. As several Roman Catholics have 
been lately awakened, and have joined the 
society ; and a very rich man, of great note 
among the priests, had become a constant 
hearer at our chapel, it is conjectured where 
this horrid plot most likely originated. And 
the more clearly doth this appear from the 
number of persons who visited this villain 
while in prison ; and by whose means his 
escape was effected, so that he was not brought 
to trial. 

Cork, August 20, 1789. — I found that text 
much blessed to me this morning, Isa. xl, 8, 
" Who are those that fly as a cloud, and as 
doves to their windows ?" How heavy is the 
dense cloud, — yet hangs in air without any 
visible hand to uphold it ! Such am I ; loaded 
with ten thousand infirmities, various tempta- 
tions from Satan, and calumnies from malicious 
men, under which I must sink ; yea, and that 
even after my soul has been attracted from the 
earth by the Sun of righteousness ; were it not 
that I am held up like a cloud in the air, by the 
mighty power of God. I also feel as one of 
those silly, helpless doves, and as such, I fly to 



154 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

hide in my Saviour's breast ! There, my Lord, 
I would for ever dwell. 

" How blest are they who still abide, 
Close shelter'd in thy bleeding side !" 

We had a good season at family prayer; 
after which we went upon the water with some 
friends ; and sailing down to Cove, we went on 
board of Mr. Sholdham's new and beautiful 
yacht. This vessel is built, it seems, for plea- 
sure ; and he intends to sail in it round the 
world. Every thing in it is elegant, even to 
extravagance ; much plate, superb furniture in 
the cabin, and a French cook on board. But 
can this make the owner happy ? Alas ! no ; 
it cannot be, unless his soul were first adorned 
with Christ, and made meet for God. In the 
evening Mr. Rogers preached in Cove to a 
large company of attentive hearers, from, " Ye 
must be born again." The room was also well 
filled the next evening ; and the day after we 
returned home in an open boat. We had a 
high wind, and heavy showers of rain, the 
whole passage ; and the tide meeting the wind, 
when we came to Lough Mahon, (a very dan- 
gerous place,) it was rough indeed. But the 
Lord sweetly prepared me for it. That verse 
was so powerfully impressed on my mind, that 
T could not forbear repeating it : — 

" O'er the raging billows sailing, 
With my all-protecting Guide ; 
By thy mercy never failing, 
I shall all the storms outride ! 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 155 

Join'd to thee by closest union, 
And to my companion dear ; 
By this happy, sweet communion, 
Thou wilt banish every fear." 

Just then came on a squall of wind, and the 
swell was so very high that all the passengers 
shrieked aloud, and some now cried to God for 
mercy ! Even the boatmen turned pale ; and 
our friends clasped round us in a most affecting 
manner. Yet, though I was sensible of our 
danger, my* soul was kept from fear. I recol- 
lected Pet.er on. the waves, and said, " Lord, 
what are these when in the hollow of thy hand ? 
I commit my all to thee ! Preserve me from 
fear, and help me -to praise thee." My soul 
was indeed filled with his goodness. The 
boatmen, sensible of the danger, turned out of 
the channel into shallow water, and then the 
swell was not so great. But we were still in 
jeopardy, expecting every moment to be 
stranded in the mud ; and if so, all must have 
perished, as we were near a mile from shore. 
But the Lord preserved us from all evil ; and 
we landed safe in Cork before night came on. 
O may I never forget his love to me this day ! 
Throughout the whole I was kept composed 
and happy, and returned in better health than 
when I went. " Praise the Lord, O my soul, 
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" 

Extract of a letter, received January 14, 

1789 :— " The Rev. Mr. E calling to 

visit one of his hearers, saw a young lady in 
the parlour, who had come for the use of the 



156 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

water, on account of her health. Observing her 
unusually pensive, Mr. E. took the liberty to 
inquire the reason. She answered, ' Sir, I will 
think no more of it, — it Was only a dream : and 
I will not be so childish as to be alarmed at a 
dream ! But, sir,' said she, ' I will tell you my 
dream, and then I will think of it no more.' 
She then repeated as follows : * I dreamed I 
was at the ball, where I intended to go to-night. 
Soon after I was in the room I was taken very 
ill, and they gave me a smelling-bottle, and then 
I was brought home into this room ; I was put 
into that elbow-chair, (pointing to it,) and 
fainted and died ! I then thought I was car- 
ried to a place where there were angels and 
holy people in abundance, singing hymns and 
praises to God : that I found myself very un- 
happy there, and desired to go from thence. 
My conductor said, if I did, I should never 
come there again. He then violently whirled 
me, and I fell down, down — through blackness, 
and flames, and sulphur ; the dread of which 
awoke me !' " 

The minister endeavoured, by every possible 
argument, to dissuade the young lady from going 
to the ball that night, but in vain : she answered, 
" I will go. I will not be so foolish as to mind 
a dream !" She did go ; and soon after she 
came into the ball-room she was taken ill : and, 
as she dreamed, a smelling-bottle was given her. 
She was carried home, into the room, and put 
into that very elbow-chair, represented in the 
dream ; — she fainted, — and died ! 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 157 

Awful warning ! an awful event ! O that it 
may deeply penetrate the hearts of all who are 
" lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God !" 
She was warned by a dream ; but such are now 
warned by a reality, even her fate ! She is 
gone, gone into a world of spirits, — into eternity. 
But was she unhappy ? Yery unhappy in the 
presence of a holy God, and his holy worship- 
pers ! O how does this correspond with that 
solemn declaration from the lips of Truth, 
" Without holiness no man shall see the Lord !" 
O how unmeet is one who liveth in these de- 
lusive pleasures on earth, for the spiritual enjoy- 
ment of God in glory ! which is the inheritance 
and the bliss of the saints in light. Reader, ask 
thy own heart ! Couldst thou be more happy 
than she in the eternal employ of those who sur- 
round the throne, and sing the song of Moses 
and the Lamb ? Be assured thou couldst not, 
except on earth thou hast learned their song — 
11 Unto him that loved us, and washed us from 
our sins in his own blood, and hath made us 
kings and priests unto God, and his Father ; to 
him be glory and dominion for ever and ever." — 
Thou must be born again. 

What a striking contrast between the young 
person alluded to above, and an intimate friend 
of mine in the city of Cork, who died near 
about that time ! Her name was Mary Mahony. 
When very young, her carnal relations forced 
her to marry a man for whom she had no affec- 
tion. He proved a very wicked and a bad hus- 
band : but the God of wisdom and love, even 



158 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

out of this evil brought forth good. The trials 
she daily endured, led her to seek rest and hap- 
piness in the source of bliss ! Beginning fre- 
quently, though privately, to hear the Methodists, 
her mind was drawn out in strong desires after 
God. But her husband often followed her, and 
dragged her out of the preaching house by the 
hair of her head. After some time he left her 
entirely, and she saw him no more. She joined 
our society about eight years ago, and soon found 
peace with God, which she never lost : and, 
about three years after, obtained also a clear 
witness that her soul was cleansed from all sin. 
In this salvation she walked unreproveably to 
the day of her death. And though at some sea- 
sons she was buffeted with various temptations, 
yet she always emerged out of them more fully 
purified. She was called outwardly to follow 
her heavenly Lord in the way of the cross : but 
she joyfully took it up, and bore it with the 
meekness of her lamb-like Saviour ! Like him, 
her language was, " Not as I will, but as thou 
wilt." 

Her love to Jesus, and her zeal for the glory 
of God, and for promoting the good of precious 
souls, were very peculiar. This induced Mr. 
Rogers to request her to take the charge of a 
class of young women, over whom she watched 
faithfully and diligently with tears, fastings, and 
much prayer. In her last sickness, (thought to 
be a rheumatic fever,) her agony of pain in every 
limb was extreme : but she told me and others, 
" When these hands and feet are tortured with 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 159 

pain, — yea, such anguish as is almost insupport- 
able, — I look to my precious Saviour, and see 
by faith his dear hands and feet pierced, and 
bleeding, and nailed to the accursed tree for my 
sins ! and the view of that mangled body and 
precious head torn with thorns, and that precious 
blood streaming for my soul, sweetens all my 
pain, and makes me willing to bear all he pleases 
to inflict." After she had thus suffered for nine 
days, and constantly witnessed to all, the good- 
ness of God to her soul, she became delirious. 
But a few hours before her departure, the Lord 
restored her reason. She was, however, speech- 
less, till at last, after struggling some time as in 
an agony to say something, she cried aloud, "Je- 
sus is precious ! Jesus is precious !" and sweetly 
fell asleep on the 10th of February, 1789, and 
in the 25th year of her age. 

October 24, 1790.— I heard Mr. Wesley 
preach in Spitalfields chapel with great liberty, 
from Eph. vi, 11, " Put on the whole armour of 
God." I never heard the Christian armour so 
described before. In the course of his sermon 
he introduced an account of a French marshal, 
a very wicked man, but a great warrior, who in 
the blaze of battle lifted up his hand toward 
heaven, and swore by his Maker, he would never 
quit the field while there was an Englishman 
alive in it ! He was harnessed with steel, but 
while pronouncing the- oath, with his arm ex- 
tended, a musket ball entering the joints of the 
harness, shot him in the armpit, and down he 
fell. Mr. Wesley showed, in the beautiful con- 



160 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

trast, that the Christian being armed with the 
panoply of God, i. e., his whole armour, no such 
part is left exposed, but the whole soul is cover- 
ed and defended against every fiery dart of our 
common enemy, the devil. 

I awoke very happy this morning, with these 
sweet words — 

" God, the almighty God, is thine ; 
See him to thy help come down, 
The excellence divine." 

And O, how was I blest while musing on that 
precious scripture, " Now we see through a glass 
darkly !" It was indeed a blessed season to my 
soul ; especially for a few minutes, when I felt 
what I cannot explain. Such a manifestation 
of God as a spirit, uniting himself to my spirit ; 
such a real enjoyment of God as love, as holi- 
ness, as heaven, that fulness which thought can- 
not fathom ! And all this to me ! My all in all ! 
united inexplicably to my spirit ; more than fill- 
ing all my powers with his effulgence, so that I 
was wrapt in God. O my Lord, and shall I . 
prove for ever this vision, this fruition of thy 
fulness ? I know I shall. Thou hast given my 
soul a taste, and thou wilt give me the abiding 
reality when time is no more. O thou thrice 
holy God of love, my soul is lost ! Wonder and 
love overpower me quite ! I am abased before 
thee, while I feel the sacred blessing mine. 

Nov. 4, 1792. — My <£oset was truly a bethel, 
while my soul was engaged in prayer and holy 
meditation on those deep words, Col. iii, 3, 4, 
" Our life is hid with Christ in GoqV' &c. I 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 161 

was led to inquire as follows : — But how is my 
life hid ? My life being the gift of God, he con- 
tinues or withholds it at his pleasure. But who 
can tell how he animates the body 1 or how we 
continue in that state of animation ? When he 
takes away our breath we die, and are turned 
again to dust. How is it that we now feel, hear, 
smell, taste, and see ? How is it that we think, 
judge, fear, love, desire, and enjoy ? To say we 
are made capable of all these, is to say nothing. 
From what arises that capability ? The soul 
actuates the body ; but how 1 And who informs 
and actuates the soul ? All is hid with Christ in 
God. He is the source, but we cannot search 
out his ways. 

Our spiritual life is hid also. By nature we 
are dead. From him we receive the first prin- 
ciple of spiritual life, " not of blood, (from our 
natural parents,) not by the will (or power) of 
man, but of God." And how hid from the wis- 
dom of a natural man are all the workings of 
divine grace ! We are told he cannot know 
them. Nor can a soul possessed of this spirit- 
ual life impart what he feels to another ; it is that 
" new name which none knoweth but he that 
receiveth it." What a mystery ; Christ in us ! 
And to a carnal mind what a mystery also is that 
faith which justifies and saves ! 

How frequently is this life so hid, that our 
actions, words, and mdtives, are mistaken by 
men ! And ofte^is the saint condemned through 
this, when approved of God ! But soon will this 
hidden life be revealed in open day, when all 
11 



162 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

shall see and admire the unaffected integrity of 
him who was despised and rejected by the 
wicked ; mistaken even by his friends, (and 
perhaps grieved sorely through such mistakes,) 
when his innocence shall shine forth as the 
light, and his just dealing as the noon-day ; 
while many shall be amazed at his salvation, so 
far beyond all they looked for on earth ! Per- 
haps a well-painted hypocrite might be thought 
more holy than the Israelite without guile ! but 
then the mask is no more ! God will own his 
jewels, and they shall shine in his presence for 
ever. And if sorrow or tears could possibly be 
in heaven, surely those who have been (through 
mistake) cause of grief to these on earth, will 
sorrow then, and love them more perhaps on 
that account. 

Again : much is hid from even the soul pos- 
sessing this life. The humility of the true saint, 
arising from the sense of many infirmities which 
he feels, hides his grace from his own sight, so 
that, at certain times, he is even discouraged ; 
while Satan, the accuser, fails not to magnify 
unto him various short comings. His extreme 
weakness, his failures in judgment, memory, or 
zeal. His ignorance of many things ; or some 
constitutional infirmity, though not yielded to, 
may often beset, and be a burden to his mind. 
These, and such like, may, for a time, damp the 
joy of one whose " lift is hid with Christ in 
God." But when such feel their utter helpless- 
ness, the Sun of righteousness shall break forth ; 
and by a word — a single look of love — dissipate 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERSi 163 

all the gloom, and display his graces and him- 
self, and fill with unknown peace ! But when 
these come to pass through the valley, there they 
shall find Jesus their life indeed, with whom 
they shall then appear in glory ! Yes, yes, then 
they shall fearless 

" Pass the watery flood, 
Hanging on the arm of God." 

For he will stand in Jordan to see them safe 
through, and landed all in Canaan ; where he 
will display before them his bleeding wounds, 
their only title to eternal bliss ! And O ! what 
then shall be revealed to the disembodied saint ! 
Divine amazement and glory all ! But O ! to 
prove the blissful reality mine ! This, this is all ; 
and while my soul exults in the sweet assurance, 
I deeply feel the importance of that question, 
" Simon, Son of Jonas, lovest thou me ?" and can 
tell my Lord, as Peter did, " Thou knowest all 
things, thou knowest that I love thee." Yes, 
with all my heart. I have communion with my 
God, as a man with his friend. I feel an intimate 
union with Jesus ; and through him with the 
Father ; and such overflowing emanations from 
the Holy Ghost as I have rarely felt before. 

I have found it very profitable to read Horae 
Solitariae on the Name and Titles of Christ : 
especially that of Jehovah Adonai. His remarks 
are very sweet and spiritual ; only his Calvinism 
I pass over. Yet I can allow and join in all that 
gives glory to Christ, and tends to humble the 
sinner ; ascribing also, with him, my whole sal- 



164 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

vation to grace unmerited and free. I believe 
he who hath loved me died for all ; that they 
who are dead might henceforth live, " not unto 
themselves, but unto him who died for them and 
rose again." 

Feb. 19, 1794. — Having heard much respect- 
ing public matters, and about an expected inva- 
sion, with all its consequences, I have been led 
much to secret prayer, and feel I can say to my 
God, " Naked came I into the world, and thou 
hast cared for me, nurtured me in infancy, pre- 
served me in youth, provided for the wants, yea, 
even for the comforts of my riper years ; and 
now I am still thine, and I commit myself, my 
dear husband and children, my all unto thee." 
I received for answer, " There shall no evil be- 
fall thee, neither shall any plague come near thy 
dwelling." The day after I had some subtle 
temptations from the enemy ; but the Lord as- 
sured my heart he would not sutler me to be 
tempted above what I am able to bear. When- 
ever I approach the Lord in secret, Satan van- 
ishes, and Jesus tells me, " All that I have is 
thine." Yea, he truly leads me into green pas- 
tures, and by the still waters of comfort 

" to grace how great a debtor 
Daily I'm constrain'd to be." 

My mind has been led of late to meditate on 
the latter-day glory : and the Lord's presence 
rested upon me in a peculiar manner, while at- 
tending to those beautiful ideas of Mr. Fletcher 
on the millennium ; especially where he ob- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 165 

serves, " That as now the world is overspread 
with iniquity, so shall it then be with holiness : 
insomuch that a wicked man shall then be as 
great a wonder upon earth, as a father in Christ 
is now ! That the curse shall be taken away 
from universal creation, vegetable, animal, and 
elementary : the bodies of men no longer sub- 
ject to pain and weakness. The lion will then 
be as inoffensive as the lamb ; and the leopard 
lie down with the kid : ' for they shall not hurt 
nor destroy in all my holy mountain, (saith our 
God,) for the earth shall be full of the know- 
ledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters 
cover the sea.' " 



THE DYING BED OF A SAINT AND SINNER CON- 
TRASTED. 

Dust we are, and unto dust we shall return. 
A few more rolling years ; a few more months 
or weeks : nay, perhaps, a few more setting 
suns, or fleeting moments, and we are gone. 
Gone, where ? O ! that awful, dreadful, blissful 
thought ! Awful to all, dreadful to the unholy, 
to sinners, and blissful to the saints of God. See 
a man approaching the verge of eternity ; how 
are all his views changed ! How trifling to such 
a one appears all below the sun ! How import- 
ant the things of God, and the salvation of his 
never-dying soul ! Let us consider one ignorant 
of God through life ; immersed in pleasure, lost 



166 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

in pride ; careless, secure, surrounded and be- 
loved by his carnal friends, and possessed of a 
moderate share of wealth ; such a one in the 
bloom of life. Some fatal distemper seizes his 
mortal frame ; he is racked with torturing pain, 
surrounded by weeping friends, whose help is 
all in vain : the physician gives no hope of his 
recovery ; and he perceives he is ere long to 
launch into a boundless eternity ! What are his 
views in such a state ? Such a scene have my 
eyes beheld, and therefore with greater certainty 
I may describe it. — " Wretched man that I am, 
(methinks I still hear him cry,) where are my 
pleasures now ? What hath pride profited me, 
or what good hath riches, with all my vaunting, 
done me 1 — These are passed away as a cloud, 
and now, O horrible, to think ! 

* Now leaving all I love below, 
To God's tribunal I must go, 
Must hear the Judge pronounce my fate, 
And fix my everlasting state.' 

But can I hope to dwell with God ? Ah ! no, it 
cannot be. He is holy, I am vile : he is just, 
and will punish the guilty. He called, and I 
refused: he stretched forth his hand, and I 
would not regard : and now he laugheth at my 
calamity, and shutteth his ear to my cry. Then 
I would not, now I cannot pray : he often knock- 
ed at the door of my heart, saying, by an inward 
whisper, Thou art wrong : repent, and turn to 
God. * Seek the Lord while he may be found, 
call upon him while he is near.' — ' Turn ye, turn 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 167 

ye, why will ye die V But I would none of his 
counsel, and turned away mine ear from his re- 
proof. I refused the yoke of Jesus ; despised 
his ministers, and neglected that salvation which 
was long offered to me. But now I feel the dire 
effects ! Me miserable ! which way shall I flee 
infinite wrath and infinite despair ? O eternity ! 
eternity ! eternity ! — Fall, fall ye rocks, and hide 
my guilty head : hide me from him that sitteth 
upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb ! 
But O ! even this cannot be : I must endure his 
indignation : I must suffer the vengeance of 
eternal fire ! My damnation is sealed ! Who can 
dwell with devouring fire ? Who can endure 
everlasting burnings? Take warning, O my 
careless friends ! A gaping hell awaits me ! 
My soul is going! Fiends are waiting to re- 
ceive it ; they encircle me round ; O horror, and 
eternity !" 

The person described above was afterward 
reprieved for a short season from the jaws of 
death ; but he did not manifest any genuine re- 
pentance : and, in about six months after, died 
in raging despair. 

Let us next see the child of God ! the heir of 
glory, (pleasing contrast,) how different his pros- 
pect ! He longs to reach his Father's house, 
and kisses the kind rod of his afflicting hand. 
The welcome news that he shall soon be there, 
elevates his soul with rapturous joy : he has a 
foretaste of those pleasures which are at God's 
right hand for evermore, and the language of his 
heart is, 



68 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS 

" Haste, my Beloved, fetch my soul 
Up to thy blest abode : 
Fly, for my spirit longs to see 
My Saviour and my God." 

" Yes, blessed Saviour, and this thou knowest 
is also the language of my heart, while I now 
bid adieu to earth, and all terrestrial scenes. 

" Farewell, my dearly beloved children, I leave 
you, but your parents' God hath promised to care 
for you. Choose him for your portion, and then 
if we both leave you exposed to the waves of a 
dangerous world, the faithfulness of an unchang- 
ing Jehovah is engaged to pilot you safe into 
that haven where we shall meet you all again, 
being bound up together in the bundle of life, 
with the Lord our God. 

" Farewell, in particular, my ever dear hus- 
band: how was our friendship ripened almost 
to the maturity of heaven ! How tenderly and 
closely are our hearts still knit together ! Nor 
shall the sweet union be dissolved by death ; but 
being one in Christ, we shall be one for ever. 
Mourn not that I go to him first. He saw it 
best for my weakness : my feeble frame might 
not have supported your absence ! A very little 
while, and you will follow me ; and O with 
what joy shall I welcome your arrival on the 
eternal shore, and conduct you to Him whom 
our souls love ! Till then adieu, my dearest 
companion in heaven's road, whom God in the 
greatest mercy gave to me. I leave thee with 
the most grateful sensations for all the kind to- 
kens of affection which I have ever had from 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 169 

thee. For ail thy care, thy love, thy prayers, I 
bless my God and thank thee. But I now go 
to Jesus, who is yet infinitely dearer to me. 
With him I leave thee, nor doubt his care, who 
hath loved and given himself for thee. It 
is but a short separation ; our spirits shall soon 
reunite, and then never, never know separation 
more ! 

" Farewell to all my dear friends : weep not 
for me, but love my God. O make your peace 
with him, and you shall follow me to glory : he 
is worthy of your hearts, and only he ! O give 
them wholly to him ! I have not served my God 
for naught : I have lived a heaven below in Je- 
sus' love ; and now eternally shall praise the 
glories of his grace ! And you who know my 
God, O love him more, and never leave him ; 
so will he be to you what he is now to me. 
Continue ' steadfast and immoveable, always 
abounding in the work of the Lord :' for, I can 
testify to his glory, ' your labour shall not be in 
vain.' Be faithful unto death, and he will give 
you a crown of life ; which I am now hastening 
to receive. ' The chariots of Israel, and the 
horsemen thereof,' (2 Kings ii, 12,) are all in 
waiting to carry me home ! 

1 See the guardian angels nigh, 
Wait to waft my soul on high ! 
See the golden gates display'd, 
See the crown to grace my head ! 
See a flood of sacred light 
Which shall yield no more to night ; 
Transitory world, farewell, 
Jesus calls with him to dwell !' 



170 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

" He cries, ' Arise, my love, my fair one, and 
come away.' Amen, saith my willing, joyful 
soul, ' even so, come, Lord Jesus.' My soul is 
on the wing. Burst asunder, ye bonds of clay, 
which hold me from my love ! how welcome 
the stroke that shall break down these separat- 
ing walls, knock off my fetters, throw open my 
prison doors, and set me at liberty ! This cor- 
ruptible body, this tottering house of clay, which 
now cannot sustain this weight of love, shall 
soon be made a glorious body incorruptible : — 

1 Shall the stars and sun outshine, 
Shout among the sons of glory ; 
All immortal, all divine V 

And able then to enjoy the full fruition of 
my God. Yes, I shall soon see him as he is ; 
not through a glass darkly, but face to face. The 
beatific sight 

*■ Shall fill the heavenly courts with praise, 
And wide diffuse the golden blaze 
Of everlasting light.' 

* Waiting to receive my spirit, 

Lo, my Saviour stands above ; 
Shows the purchase of his merit ; 
Reaches out the crown of love.' 

" Angels surround my bed to carry me away. 
I come, I come, blest messengers of my God ! 
Haste and convey me to his loved embrace ! My 
faith already beholds the crucified Redeemer; 
methinks I see him smile, while around him 
stand the heavenly host exulting ! O glorious 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 171 

train of blood-bought souls ! What an innume- 
rable company ! And I shall join the choir ; 

1 Shall shout by turns the bursting joy ; 
And all eternity employ, 
In songs around the throne.' 

" How delightful the theme ! It hath set my 
soul on fire ; yet I cannot express a thousandth 
part of my ideas, or the prospect that lies before 
me. But I shall prove the unutterable bliss ! 
The inheritance is mine ! A foretaste now I 
feel ! Nay, so am I filled with glory and with 
God, that more I could not bear and live ! O 
may I ever feel the sacred flame, and through 
eternity proclaim the depth of Jesus' love ! 
Amen and amen." 

Hester Ann Rogers. 



THOUGHTS ON A FUTURE STATE, 

Occasioned by the death of Mrs. Hester Ann Rogers. 
By a young lady who met in her class. 



Air built and baseless all are earth's delights, 
And grief intrudes into their noblest heights ; 
To changes subject, and to ills a prey, 
They bud and wither in a winter's day ; 
And like the unfriendly plant of sense too quick, 
Bloom at a distance, but when touch'd grow sick : 
What calls on man to look beyond this sphere, 
Since he's immmortal, and all's mortal here ! 
If endless life, and lasting summers wait, 
To crown us when we leave this wint'ry state, 



172 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

How should each change instruct us to be wise, 
And tell us we are natives of the skies ! 

But, sure of bliss, (if aught deserves the name,) 
Fair friendship's pleasures must the title claim : 
Her joys are mighty, but theylbften fail, 
For while in mortal robes, e'en she is frail ; 
Ah yes, Celestia ! friendship's tears must flow, 
While memory lasts, or we thy absence know ; 
Full oft we trace the happy moments fled, 
When we to noblest joys by thee were led ; 
And while we talk'd of heaven, and learn'd the way, 
Mercy divine let in a beam of day, 
Till faith and hope exulting soar'd on high, 
And each affection centred in the sky ; 
We long'd to clap th' immortal wing, and praise 
In louder songs the source of boundless grace, 
Where no dull sense, or intermediate cloud, 
Can ever the Redeemer's presence shroud, 
But love unbounded, and ecstatic joy, 
Burst forth in endless songs without annoy. 

But scenes elapsed I'll leave, while I presume, 
With daring thought, to penetrate the gloom 
That hides immortal things from mortal view, 
And humbly thy enraptured flight pursue 
To worlds of bliss, complete fruition's height, 
Perfect existence, and immediate sight. 

O, had we seen thee when the veil withdrew, 
And thy freed spirit from its prison flew ! 
What floods of glory burst upon thy sight, 
What songs melodious rung through ether bright, 
As heavenly spirits led thee through the sky, 
'Midst blazing suns, and rolling worlds on high ; 
While joyful friends throng'd thick the heavenly way, 
And hail'd thee to the bright abodes of day ; 
Then joining in their songs of triumph high, 
The loud hosannas echo'd through the sky. 

And now what mighty joys thy powers surprise, 
Stretch'd out from mortal to immortal size ; 



J 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 173 

Surrounded, fill'd, absorb'd in Godhead's sea, 

And wrapp'd in visions of the Deity, 

Yet not o'erwhelm'd, bewilder'd, or confused, 

Thy nature so with the divine infused, 

So fitted to thy state, so pure and high. 

That heaven's profounds suit thy capacity. 

Thy glow-worm knowledge here by faith begun, 
In open vision bursts into a sun ; 
Thy senses large, congenial with the skies, 
Wake to new life, and into action rise, 
By intuition now, all ear, all sight, 
Perception all, and piercing as the light, 
Thou need'st no medium to convey delight, 
With open face thou view'st the eternal Three, 
In union join'd, a glorious Trinity ! 
And at the view increasing raptures flow, 
While proving " 'tis eternal life to know."* 
Thou view'st unveil'd the attributes divine, 
Which in unrivall'd beauty round thee shine, 
Adoring the transcendent harmony, 
Which joins them all in man's redemption free. 

Alike by thee his government 's survey'd, 
Where'er his all-creative power 's display'd, 
Allow'd his circling providence to trace 
From heaven's first order to the reptile race : 
Here wonders new create sublime delight, 
And holy praise breaks forth at every sight. 

Nor less his grace thy searching mind employs, 
Since " angels o'er a penitent rejoice ;"f 
Here they discover mercy's richest store, 
And endless cause to wonder and adore. 
Now thou well know'st the secret works of grace, 
Which first attracted thee to seek his face, 
And hence pursuing all the steps divine, 
Which through thy life in ceaseless mercies shine ; 
The end discovering of each grief and pain, 
Why they were sent, and what the endless gain : 

* John xvii, 3. t Luke xv, 10. 



174 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Alike survey *d in every hidden snare, 
Escaped by thee through providential care ; 
A thousand blessings now to thee are known, 
O'er which on earth a pierceless veil was thrown. 
What funds of pleasure must such views supply, 
And themes for praise throughout eternity ! 
Creation's works are open to thy sight, 
From lifeless matter to the seraph bright : 
What wonders in the world of spirits shine, 
Expressive of their origin divine ! 
Here beings high and things inanimate, 
Which still retain their pure primeval state, 
Are understood by thee, whose piercing eye 
Can into being's inmost essence pry ; 
And if revisiting this nether sphere, 
How differently each object must appear ! 
No longer can the surface bound thy sight, 
But nature's secret springs are brought to light ; 
And God appears diffused throughout the whole, 
The source of life, — creation's living soul. 

Is such thy knowledge of thy glorious Lord 1 
Then sure thy love in measure must accord ; 
Possessing now the end thy soul pursued, 
In near fruition of its perfect good ; 
No more (as here) frail nature sinks opprest, 
When with peculiar revelation blest ; 
Then words were lost in love's immense abyss, 
And silence best express'd the unutter'd bliss. 
(What proof that love is heaven's commencement here, 
Since mortal language sinks beneath its sphere. 
Praise aims in vain to set its glories forth, 
And only songs celestial gave it birth :) 
But now at large, uncircumscribed and free, 
Thy vast affections feed on Deity ; 
Ecstatic love in holy rapture flows, 
Increasing ever as thy knowledge grows : 
In full enjoyment and immediate sight, 
Of him whose beauties are thy sole delight, 
Thy praise unwearied, must for ever flow, 
And pleasures no embarrassment can know ; 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 175 

Renew'd by having his continual smile, 

No doubt intruding thy delights to spoil, 

But large returns for ever flow to thee, 

Of mutual love and sweet complacency. 

And joy (love's first-born offspring) lives to prove 

And celebrate the jubilee above ; 

Immediate drafts receiving from the throne, 

While thy loved Saviour makes his joy thy own , 

Thou shar'st in all his glorious victories, 

Exulting o'er its vanquish'd enemies, 

Ascribing endless glories to his name, 

And ever crying, " Worthy is the Lamb 

Who wash'd our robes and conquer'd all our foes, 

And now on us eternal life bestows :" 

And fresh discoveries of unfathom'd love 

Will through eternity thy joys improve. 

Are such the glories of thy perfect state ? 
Then thy employments must alike be great ; 
(For spirit is to action ever bent, 
And torpid rest is not its element.) 
Art thou engaged in acts to us unknown 
Of solemn worship 'fore the eternal throne, 
Which all thy mighty faculties employ, 
And give full scope to wonder, love, and joy 1 
Or sent to this terrene on errands kind, 
Perhaps to sooth thy partner's fainting mind 
When deep-felt grief's impetuous tempests blow, 
Or secret tears from silent anguish flow 1 
Then to administer the cordial sweet, \ 

And lead his views to yon celestial seat, > 

Where kindred souls in sweet enjoyment meet 1 j 
Or dost thou come a guardian angel bright, 
O'er the dear objects of thy late delight, 
Averting danger, and instilling truth 
In soft instructions to their tender youth 1 
Or dost thou visit those with kind solace 
Who were thy pupils in the school of grace 1 
O, have I ever felt thy friendly power 
Conducting me through dark temptation's hour, 



176 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

And taken, when unconscious of thy aid, 

The cup of comfort by thy hand convey'd ? 

Reviving thought ! it dries the tear of wo, 

Since friendship lives more perfect than below. 

Nor less 'tis likely that thy guardian hand 

Supports thy friends along thy shadowy land, 

When life is hov'ring on the short'ning breath, 

And its warm current gently cools in death ; 

Then bearing the triumphant soul away, 

Thou aid'st its anthems in the courts of day, 

And mixing with the brilliant hosts above, 

Recount'st the wonders of redeeming love ; 

While list'ning angels bear with sweet surprise ; 

And gusts of hallelujahs ring the skies. 

Now fellowship is perfect and complete, 

Where thought communes with thought, and notions meet, 

And swift as lightning distant souls can reach, 

With clear expression far surpassing speech ; 

Thus fitted for sublime society, 

With beings of consummate purity, 

Thou hold'st high converse with angelic choirs, 

Cherub, and seraph, and with human sires, 

With all the glorious hosts around the throne, 

Perhaps with beings yet to us unknown, 

Gather'd from num'rous worlds remote from ours, 

And form'd with various faculties and powers ; 

While each the victories of grace declare, 

And countless acts of providential care : 

Then joining in melodious strains of praise, 

To mercy's centre, and the source of grace, 

Each happy soul takes in large drafts of joy, 

And unconceived delights thy powers employ. 

Say, does some spirit (perhaps thy infant son,* 
For sure by thee he's still beloved and known,) 
Direct thy flight along the ethereal way, 
Where suns unnumber'd burn, and comets stray, 
To some new workmanship of power divine, 
Where beings in Adamic glory shine, 

* Who died in the year 1789, at the age of six weeks 






MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 177 

And uncursed nature all harmonious glows, 
And shining fair its Maker's glory shows. 
Here wonders rise on wonders to thy view, 
In objects fair, immaculate and new ; 
And seem with thee in concert sweet to join, 
In one delightful hymn of praise divine. 

Are such as these thy blest employs on high 1 
While God is all in all, and ever nigh ; 
For wide-extended space is full of him, 
Nor aught thy ever-waking sight can dim ; 
Hence, though engaged at nature's utmost bound, 
Thy heaven — thy God, must still thy soul surround. 

But cease my vent'rous thought, too apt to fly 
To things for thy capacity too high : 
Since ear hath never heard, nor eye beheld, 
Th' immortal glories of the upper world, 
And all is bold chimera at the best, 
In darkness form'd, and wrapt in errors, rest ; 
Nor thought can paint, nor language give them birth, 
And faint descriptions but degrade their worth ; 
Hence I'm constrain'd the subject to dismiss, 
Till made with her a fellow-heir of bliss. 

May 15, 1795. 



AN ELEGY ON THE 

DEATH OF MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

BY A LADY, 

Who enjoyed the privilege of her maternal instructions in 
the way to glory. 

Say, shall the muse, in plaintive, weeping strains, 

A dear departed pious friend lament ! 
Or join the host on yonder glorious plains, 

To greet, with triumph, the victorious saint 1 
12 



178 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

A conquering warrior, who return'd from fight, 
Has gloriously her every foe subdued, 

And now reposes in the plains of light, 
And triumphs in the presence of her God. 

Can we, who sojourn in the vale of life, 

(Who still each anxious, painful trial, know,) 

Desire to lengthen out the mortal strife, 
Of one so fully meet from earth to go 1 

Can we the breathings of her spirit trace, 
Behold the ardour of her panting soul ; 

Her steadfast care to run th' appointed race, 
Her longing to attain the heavenly goal 1 

Her deep communion with the God of love, 
To feel whose presence was her soul's delight ; 

Her life of faith conceaPd with Christ above, 
Now changed into the beatific sight. 

Say, can we view, and wish to stop her flight, 
Even for a moment to the world recall 1 

O that her glory on our souls may light ! 
On us some portion of her spirit fall ! 

No, surely, here we'll bid our tears farewell, 
And triumph with the saint to glory gone ; 

With her the praise of our Redeemer tell — 
Above, below, the triumph is but one. 

Ah, no ! 'tis not the dead demands our tears, 
But for ourselves, alas ! our sorrows flow ; 

We joy in her escape from grief and fears, 
To where the tree of life and pleasures grow. 

But by a double tie she claim'd our love, 

And lo, at once, we mourn a friend and guide ! 

Oft has she led our soul to things above, 
And sweetly pointed to the Crucified. 

Deeply experienced, Satan's wiles she knew, 
And bid us of his dang'rous baits beware ; 

Set forth the Saviour's love for ever new, 

Watching our souls with constant tender care. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 179 

Full well she knew the goodness of her Lord 
And wish'd that all with her his love might feel : 

For this his mercy she to all declared 
With humble gratitude and pious zeal. 

To youth, or age, her kind advice she gave, 

Alike by youth or age beloved, revered, 
To all adapted, all their souls to save, 

Some roused by threat'ning, some by comfort cheer'd. 

Yet while she labour'd thus, with pious zeal, 
She ne'er despised the social calls of life, 

But with a conscientious care fulfill'd 
The duties of a parent, child, and wife. 

Thus while on earth her Master's work she wrought, 
And now her Lord has said, " Enough is done ; 

Thy arms lay down — the fight of faith is fought, 
The prize of everlasting glory's won." 

Thrice happy saint ! no more our tears shall flow, 
No more our selfish hearts thy loss shall mourn ; 

Be this our aim, like thee our God to know, 
That with like joy we may to heaven return. 

And thou, dear partner of her joys and cares, 

What consolation can a friend impart, 
(A child of your united faith and prayers,) 

To ease the sorrows of a wounded heart 1 

Short is the time of man's appointed space, 

Soon will this transitory life be gone ; 
Then shall your soul its dearer part embrace, 

And stand with her before yon glorious throne ! 

Even now, by faith, your soul with hers shall join, 
And leam the strains of the seraphic throng ; 

Till all renew'd in purity divine, 

You sing in heaven the never-ceasing song ! 

Agnes Bulmer. 



180 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

SPIRITUAL LETTERS. 



LETTER I. 

(Written in the nineteenth year of her age, to a lady of 
considerable rank and fortune, who, being offended at 
her turning Methodist, required an account of her con- 
duct for so doing.) 

Macclesfield, Nov. 12, 1775. 

Dear and Honoured Madam, — I beg leave 
to return you my most sincere and humble 
thanks for your kind letter and advice ; and as 
you are so kind as to express a concern on my 
account, I hope you will pardon the liberty, and 
allow me to say what is my opinion and belief, 
and on what alone I can build any hopes of 
heaven and happiness. 

Man, as he came out of the hands of the 
Creator, was perfectly holy and happy. In him 
shone all those amiable and lovely attributes of 
the Deity — goodness, truth, justice, mercy, and 
love. But, by disobeying the divine command, 
he entailed upon himself and his whole posteri- 
ty (for he acted as the parent or head of all 
mankind) the sure wages of sin, which is death, — 
death temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The 
body of man became that day mortal ; his soul 
spiritually dead, and he was every moment lia- 
ble to death eternal. The guilt of Adam, and 
the depravity of soul which he contracted by 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 181 

the fall, immediately devolved upon his unhappy 
offspring. And, we are told, when he begat a 
son, it was in his own likeness, after his image : 
so that now man is born in sin, and under the 
wrath of God : and if he die in that state, will 
stand exposed to the sentence of eternal death. 
And what can a lost man do in this case ! 
Atonement for himself, or offering meet, he hath 
none to bring ; and to pardon sinners without a 
satisfaction, would not be what is commonly 
called mercy, but it would be giving up the es- 
sential glories of the Godhead. What must be 
done then 1 Why, God of his free grace, and 
unlimited bounty, has provided a ransom, an all- 
sufficient ransom, even his well-beloved Son ! 
He who is the brightness of his Father's glory, 
and the express image of his person, became 
man to die, that man might live. 

All that was necessary to be done to complete 
our salvation consisted chiefly in these three 
things : — First, a perfect obedience to the di- 
vine law : Secondly, an infinitely meritorious 
satisfaction to the law and government of God, 
for the dishonour brought upon them by the sin 
of man: Thirdly, a restoration of the moral 
image of God to the soul, which image was lost 
by the fall of man. — The first of these was com 
pleted by the life of our Redeemer ; the second 
by his death ; and the third is effected by the 
Holy Ghost. This provision (ample provision) 
is made for the salvation of man, so that God 
can preserve untainted his adorable perfec 
tions ; or, as St. Paul declares, he can now be 



182 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

just, and yet justify and save penitent, believing 
man. 

That Christ suffered in the place of sinners, is 
expressed by St. Peter in these words, " Who, 
his own self, bare our sins in his own body on 
the tree." Also, Isaiah saith, " Surely he hath 
borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He 
was wounded for our transgressions, he was 
bruised for our iniquities. All we like sheep 
have gone astray ; we have turned every one to 
his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the 
iniquity of us all." St. Paul saith, " He hath 
made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, 
that we might be made the righteousness of God 
in him." And again, in the third chapter of the 
Romans, he saith, " There is none righteous, 
no, not one ; there is none that understandeth ; 
there is none that seeketh after God ; they are 
all gone out of the way ; they are together be- 
come unprofitable ; there is none that doeth 
good, no, not one." Therefore, he adds, " By 
the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be jus- 
tified in his sight. But now the righteousness 
which is without the law is manifest, being wit- 
nessed by the law and the prophets ; even the 
righteousness of God, which is by faith in Jesus 
Christ, unto all, and upon all them that believe ; 
for there is no difference, for all have sinned 
and come short of the glory of God. Being jus- 
tified freely by his grace, through the redemp- 
tion that is in Christ Jesus : whom God hath set 
forth to be a propitiation through faith in his 
blood, to declare his righteousness for the re- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 183 

mission of sins that are past, through the for- 
bearance of God : to declare, I say, at this time, 
his righteousness, that he might be just, and the 
justifier of him that belie veth in Jesus." 

With St. Paul, then, I would go on and ask, — 
" Where is boasting then ? It is excluded. By 
what law 1 Of works ? Nay : but by the law of 
faith. Therefore, we conclude, that a man is 
justified by faith, without the deeds of the law. 
For, to him that worketh is the reward not 
reckoned of grace, but of debt ; but to him that 
worketh not, but belie veth on him that justifieth 
the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteous- 
ness. Even as David also describeth the bless- 
edness of the man unto whom God imputeth 
righteousness without works, saying, Blessed 
are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose 
sins are covered. — Blessed is the man unto 
whom the Lord will not impute sin. Abraham 
believed God, and it was imputed to him for 
righteousness. Now it was not written for his 
sake alone that it was imputed to him ; but for 
us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we be- 
lieve on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from 
the dead ; who was delivered for our offences, 
and was raised again for our justification." 
Now, from all these, and many more texts of 
Holy Scripture which might be named, I be- 
lieve, and am sure, that works are not the me- 
ritorious cause of our salvation, yet I believe 
they are absolutely necessary, and will follow 
as the sure and inseparable fruits of a true 
faith. If you will be kind enough to read the 



184 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth articles of the 
Church of England, they will further explain 
my meaning. 

But there is a third thing also necessary to 
our salvation ; which is, that the image of God 
be restored to the soul. Now, this is done in 
regeneration. Our Saviour assures us, " Except 
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom 
of God." And again, " Except ye be converted, 
and become as little children, ye shall not enter 
into the kingdom of heaven." Nor indeed are 
we fit for it, till renewed by the Spirit of God. 
For, were it possible to be admitted there, we 
could not enjoy the pure and spiritual delight of 
the saints above. — Their joy consists in an en- 
tire freedom from all sin and corruption ; and in 
serving, adoring, praising the Father of all their 
mercies, the Son of his love, and Spirit of holi- 
ness. And they are so far from being weary of 
this, that they think eternity too short to utter 
all his praise ! How irksome would be an eter- 
nity spent in this manner, to a person who never 
had his affections spiritualized, and his will 
brought into a conformity to the will of God? 
This is a change which must be wrought in this 
world : for there is no repentance in the grave : 
as death leaves us, judgment will find us. 
Then, " He that is unjust shall be unjust 
still ; he that is filthy shall be filthy still ; he 
that is righteous shall be righteous still ; and 
he that is holy shall be holy still !" The Holy 
Ghost is the author of this conversion or new 
birth; for no man hath quickened his own 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 185 

soul. It is He that must begin, carry on, and 
complete it. 

" Now, if any man have not the spirit of 
Christ, he is none of his. And the fruits of this 
Spirit are ' love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gen- 
tleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ; 
against such there is no law. — And they that 
are Christ's, have crucified the flesh with its af- 
fections and lusts. If any man be in Christ he 
is a new creature : old things are passed away ; 
behold, all things are become new.' And Jesus 
Christ is made of God unto us ' wisdom, right- 
eousness, sanctiflcation, and redemption ; that 
according as it is written, he that glorieth, let 
him glory in the Lord. — God forbid that I should 
glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I 
unto the world.' " 

This, dear madam, is what I believe, and this, 
I think, is agreeable to the word of God, and to 
the articles and homilies of the Church of Eng- 
land ; and no schism of the church of Christ. 
Forfeiting your love and friendship is a great 
trial ; but believe me, when I think of seeking 
salvation in any other way, it seems as a sword 
piercing my very heart ! And seeing my dear 
mother so very unhappy on my account, gives me 
more grief than I can express ; and the thought 
of my being detrimental to her in worldly things, 
and that my conduct should make you less her 
friend, seems strange, and is to me very afflicting. 
But I think these things ought not to be urged 
too far, especially when the soul is concerned. 



186 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

I am afraid I have tired your patience, so will 
hasten to subscribe myself, honoured madam, 
your most obliged and dutiful daughter, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter II. — To Mr. Robert Roe, when at col- 
lege, about six months after his conversion. 

Macclesfield, Nov. 13, 1776. 

Dear Cousin, — As I find, by your brother, 
you have been reasoning with the enemy of your 
soul, and thereby, in some measure, have dis- 
tressed your own mind ; and as you request me 
to write, I dare not refuse, for I know God can 
use the weakest instruments to comfort his chil- 
dren ; and often does, that we may ascribe all 
glory to him alone. May He who comforteth 
those who are cast down, be your support. 

As to your falling from God, I do not fear it ; 
and I am sure it is your happy privilege con- 
stantly to rejoice in his love, — that love which 
so clearly spoke your sins forgiven. Oppose 
that adversary of your soul by faith ; this shield 
(saith an apostle) " shall quench all the fiery 
darts of the wicked." Be resolute, and determine 
to conquer. Jesus in our nature hath bruised 
the serpent's head ; and your union with your 
living Head will give you power to conquer too. 
Fear not, saith God, for I will help thee. By a 
simple living faith cleave constantly to Jesus ; 
and though earth and hell combine, they shall 
not be able to overcome or hurt you. Believe 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 187 

even against hope ! and when things seem im- 
possible to you, weak and helpless as you are, 
remember they are possible with God. Lay 
open to him your every care : 

11 His heart is made of tenderness : 
His bowels melt with love." 

He delighteth not to see his children mourning, 
cast down, and oppressed ; but kindly saith, " I 
will not* leave you comfortless, I will come unto 
you :" and again, " I will send you the Spirit 
of truth, that he may abide with you for ever." 
The privileges of a justified soul are very great ; 
for, " if a child, then an heir, an heir of God,"— 
of all his promises. Praise God that you feel 
the necessity of heart holiness, and press after 
it, even after " all the mind which was in Christ 
Jesus." He is already your wisdom and right- 
eousness, and he will become your sanctiflca- 
tion. O look for it, seek it, expect it ; expect 
it as you are, expect it now. Behold, saith 
God, I stand at the door and knock : open to 
your Beloved, and he will come in and fill your 
happy soul. 

Be diligent in your studies. It may be a 
cross, but take it up for Christ's sake, and it will 
not hurt your soul. Above all, continue in prayer ; 
— often read the word of God upon your knees, 
and his Spirit will explain it to your heart. 
With respect to your situation, or any temporal 
thing, be not careful ; live the present moment, 
and lay no schemes for to-morrow ; you may 
then be in eternity ! — " Instead of busying our 



188 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

minds," saith Mr. Wesley, " with dwelling on 
the grievous part of what is past or to come, we 
should remember that the gospel does not per- 
mit us to dwell on any thing but the presence 
and love of God who fills our souls." However 
you maybe tempted, resolve you will not reason, 
except with the Lord at the throne of grace. 
Seek more union and communion with your God : 
you may attain much of this, even before you 
are sanctified. But O ! never rest till all your 
evil nature be destroyed, and every root of bit- 
terness plucked up ; — till you have given your 
God all your loving heart. And remember with 
him, " Now is the accepted time — now is the 
day of salvation." He cannot be more willing 
or more powerful than he is to-day. 

As to myself, I see no end to my Lord's good- 
ness. I find every day an increase of love, joy, 
peace, and union, close, intimate union with the 
Great Three One. 

" All my treasure is above, 
All my riches is his love." 

I feel I am very unworthy, yet offering up 
myself and my services on that altar which sanc- 
tifieth the gift, my God accepts a worthless 
worm, through his beloved Son. He who is 
higher than the highest, stoops to dwell in my 
happy soul ; and I have communion with him as 
a man with his friend. Sometimes in the night 
he so fills my soul with his glorious presence, 
that I think it will burst its prison, and wing 
away : and then, O then, where should I be ? 
Surrounded with angels, and convoyed by them 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 189 

to my God, — my life, my treasure, and my 
crown! I can even now scarce support the 
blissful thought. O what a present heaven of 
love I feel ! 

" O what are all our sufferings here, 
If, Lord, thou count us meet 
With that enraptured host t' appear, 
And worship at thy feet." 

It cannot be long ere we lay these bodies down : 

" Our conflicts here shall soon be past, 
And you and I ascend at last 
Triumphant with our Head !" 

" Rejoice in glorious hope ; 
Jesus the Judge shall come, 
And take his servants up 
To their eternal home : 
We soon shall hear the archangel's voice 
The trump of God shall sound, Rejoice !" 

I remain your sincere friend in Jesus, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter III. — To the Same. 

Macclesfield, Dec. 10, 1776. 
My Dear Cousin, — I am thankful if my let- 
ter was any comfort to your mind ; to God be 
all the glory : I hope you are now enabled to 
rejoice, and are filled with that peace which 
from believing flows. I hope your heavenly in- 
tercourse is open, and that day by day you open 
still wider the door of your heart, that you may 
more and more be filled with God. 



190 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

" Ready are you to receive, 
Readier is your God to give." 

I trust your studies are now made a bless- 
ing, and that in them you enjoy the presence of 
Jesus. Let not little difficulties discourage us 
who serve so good a Master: — us who have in 
view a heaven of glory ! Jesus left that hea- 
ven — to suffer, bleed, and die on our behalf: 
O ! then, let us take up our every cross, and 
despising the shame, manfully suffer with him ! 
Love makes all things easy : — 

" 'Tis this that makes our cheerful feet 
In swift obedience move ; 
'Tis this shall tune our joyful song 
In those sweet realms above." 

I long to be all dissolved in love ; for " God is 
love ; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in 
God, and God in him." 

I have had many trials and some temptations 
of late ; but I am firmly persuaded that while 
I cleave simply to Jesus, nothing shall be able 
to separate me from his love : no, nor to lessen 
the divine flame which I feel continually burn- 
ing in my heart. Those precious words, "My 
grace is sufficient for thee," shall stand firm as 
the pillars of heaven : and when the enemy 
would tell me — In such and such a trial thou 
wilt be entangled and overcome, I tell him, " My 
Lord hath promised strength equal to my day," 
and all his darts are instantly repelled. Nor do 
I only conquer : but after my enemy is put to 
flight, I have more love, more peace, and nearer 
union with my God. O the blessedness of inti- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 19l 

mate fellowship with him ! — of possessing that 
testimony that we please him : surely it is a 
taste of heaven : and yet it is only a drop out 
of the ocean ; as a grain of sand compared with 
the' sands on the sea- shore ; only the beginning 
of an eternity of glory. O ! for an archangel's 
tongue to magnify our adorable Redeemer's 
name ! We can but lisp his praises here ; but 
we shall join in nobler strains above, to praise 
for evermore the Three in One : — 

" The heavenly principle assures, 
And swells my soul with strong desires 
To grasp the starry crown." 

The Lord is carrying on a glorious work 
here. Our love-feast last week was a blessed 
season of the outpouring of his Spirit : every 
one had reason to say, " This is none other 
than the house of God ; this is the gate of hea- 
ven." Several, who came there burdened and 
heavy-laden, went away rejoicing ; three found 
a clear sense of pardon, and two others were set 
at perfect liberty from the remains of sin. The 
preachers all wept abundantly tears of joy, so 
were they filled with God : and indeed I believe 
there were few dry eyes. Mr. Percival says 
there is just such another pouring out of the 
Spirit in Bolton : above thirty joined the society 
there in ten days. I know this will rejoice your 
heart. let us pray much for a guilty world ! 
I believe this will be a glorious year of the power 
of God. I do not cease to pray for you ; and 
remain your affectionate cousin and friend, 

H. A. Roe. 



192 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Letter IV. — To Mrs. Salmon of Nantwich. 
Macclesfield, Nov. 15, 1777. 

My Dear Sister, — I received your kind let- 
ter, which rilled my soul with praise on your 
account. I rejoice to hear your name is enrolled 
with the despised followers of a crucified Saviour. 
I believe I shall have reason to bless God to all 
eternity that I ever joined the Methodists. O 
may my worthless name never be a dishonour 
to his glorious cause and people ! May you and 
I, dear sister, never be separated from them, but 
by death ; and all of us be united to the living 
Vine, and bring forth plenteously the fruits of 
righteousness to his glory and praise, "who 
hath called us out of darkness into his marvel- 
lous light." 

With divine assistance I shall not cease to 
cry unto God for Mr. Salmon, and the little flock 
committed to his care. May their number be 
increased daily, and may they be such as shall - 
be eternally saved. May holiness unto the Lord 
be the motto of every heart, and his praise dwell 
on every tongue. It becometh well the just to 
be thankful ; for who is a God like unto our 
God ? O how great are his mercies ! how in- 
numerable his benefits ! We may exclaim with 
David, " They are more in number than the 
hairs of our head ;" or with a later poet, 

" His nature and his name is love." 
O let our souls praise the Lord, and all that is 
within us magnify his glorious name ! Once we 
were darkness, but now we are light ; once we 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 193 

were the slaves of sin and Satan, but now we 
are set free in the glorious liberty of the children 
of God, and our lot is among the saints. Once 
n e were in our sins, and under condemnation ; 
now we are the children of God, and heirs of 
everlasting life : once we were enemies to the 
eternal God by wicked works and tempers ; now 
we are reconciled through the blood of his Son, 
and he is become our Father and our Friend. 
Such grace, such love as this demands our 
praises. Others may boast of riches and estates, 
their high birth and parentage ; but we will re- 
joice in the Lord, and glory in the Rock of our 
salvation ! We are plucked as brands from the 
burning, and we will praise our great Deliverer. 
Jesus is our Redeemer and our Saviour, our be- 
loved and our friend ; and we will give him our 
hearts, our lives, our all. 

The poor unthinking multitude " see no form 
nor comeliness in him, neither any beauty that 
they should desire him," but we know and prove 
that "he is the chief among ten thousand, and 
altogether lovely." He is the friend that stick- 
eth closer than a brother ; that sympathizes in 
our infirmities, and beareth our sorrows. He 
careth for our necessities, and supplieth our 
wants. He strengthened our feeble hands, and 
feedeth our hungry souls with the manna of his 
love : in him is all we want, and he is all our 
own : yea, and he will be our satisfying portion 
for ever. " Happy are the people that are in such 
a case ; yea, blessed are the people whose God 
is the Lord." 

13 



194 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

My health has been very indifferent for some 
time : but, blessed be God, pain is sweet, and 
life or death is gain : I desire nothing but to do 
and suffer the will of my heavenly Father, and 
to increase in all the height of holiness, in all 
the depth of humble love. I do lie at the feet of 
Jesus, and find his love for ever new. Lord, 
what am I, that thou shouldest thus regard me ! 

" He calls a worm his friend ! 
He calls himself my God ! 
And he shall save me to the end 
Through Jesus' blood." 

I hope my dear sister proves as sweetly as 1 
do the great privilege of approaching a God of 
love in secret prayer. These are precious sea- 
sons to me : here we may disburden all our cares 
and fears to Him who can and will save to the 
uttermost : by this we may renew our covenant 
with the Great Three One, day by day, and 
receive from him fresh strength ; and in this 
means may delightfully converse with our Be- 
loved, — lay open to him our hearts, and praise 
him who knows every secret there. And how 
does he melt the soul with his overwhelming 
grace, that thus seeketh him ! They are such 
rapturous moments with me, that often I know 
not whether I am on earth or in heaven. — 
Surely it is a taste of heavenly bliss ! I do not 
forget my dear sister and friend when I thus 
approach the gracious throne. O pray for me ! 
Dear Mrs. Salmon, yours in divine bonds, 

H. A. Roe 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 195 



Letter Y. — Written at a time when she was 
supposed to be near death, and addressed to a 
lady of her acquaintance. 

Macclesfield, Jan. 9, 1778. 

Farewell, my friend ! To the care of that 
God of truth and love, who hath been so gracious 
unto me, I commend you. May you prove all 
the riches of his grace in life, and lay down this 
earthly tabernacle with the same joy and as- 
surance of hope as I now do. " I have fought 
the good fight, I have finished my course, I have 
kept the faith ; and henceforth there is laid up 
for me a crown [a never-fading crown] of right- 
eousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, 
shall give me at that day." I joyfully declare, 
it is by grace alone I am saved : — Jesus is all in 
all, and I am nothing without him. 

I believe you will bear with a friend if she 
leave the following dying cautions : and O may 
the Spirit of holiness write them on your heart : — 
Deny yourself wholly, take up your cross daily, 
and follow Christ fully. Watch, fast, pray. 
Avoid all occasions of temptation resolutely; 
but if at any time you are overcome, delay not 
to fall at the feet of Christ that moment for par- 
don and strength. The eyes of earth and hea- 
ven are upon you : many wait for your halting ; 
more, I trust, wish you success in the name of 
the Lord : I am sure I do, and therefore write 
without reserve. Take care of your own under- 
standing : do not suffer yourself to think of it 



196 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

but with deep abasement that you have made no 
better use of it. Do not adorn your body now, 
if you wish to be found adorned with Christ in 
the day of eternity. I sit under the shadow of 
my Beloved. While I write, I feel him sus- 
taining my soul. O Jesus, great is thy goodness, 
great is thy mercy ! I feel my insufficiency to 
speak of the goodness of my God : it is more 
than I am able to express : I enjoy in him all I 
want ; but am daily more sensible how little I 
am. O how his grace is magnified in a poor 
worm ! You also have tasted of his love ; may 
you follow him fully and steadfastly. While 
you do this, though storms should arise, and 
winds blow, they will only settle and fix you 
more fully on the Rock which cannot be moved. 
Believe simply and constantly, so shall you love 
steadfastly and entirely: then shall the Lord 
guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in 
drought ; and your soul shall be as a watered 
garden, and as springs of water that fail not. 

Farewell, — I was going to say for ever ; but 
ah ! no. I shall see you again : may it be where 
we shall rejoice together in that joy which can- 
not be taken away from us : then shall we part 
no more, but live for ever in the presence of our 
Jesus. 

11 There, only there, we shall 
Fulfil his great design, 
And in his praise with all 
Our elder brethren join 
In hymns and songs which never end, 
Our heavenly, everlasting Friend !" 

H. A. Rob. 






MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 197 

Letter VI. — To Mr. Robert Roe. 

Macclesfield, Feb. 12, 1778. 
Dear Cousin, — Since I wrote you before, I 
have been, to appearance, on the borders of 
eternity. My body was indeed brought very 
low ; but my soul was full of heavenly vigour, 
and longing for immortality. what heavenly 
transport filled my ravished breast, when I 
thought I had done, for ever done, with all 
below; and, as I then thought, in a few days, 
or weeks at most, I should leave my cumbrous 
clay, to bask in the beams of uncreated beauty, 
— should stand before the slaughtered Lamb, 
and see the wonders reserved for me : 

" Should fall at his feet, 
And the story repeat, 
And the lover of sinners adore." 

When I should be lost in Father, Son, and Spi- 
rit, — overwhelmed and implunged in the fathom- 
less abyss to all eternity. What I felt cannot 
be described ; it was a real taste of joys immor- 
tal ; it was a drop of heaven let down. But, 
behold ! I am yet spared ; infinite Wisdom pro- 
tracts my stay a little longer, and I bow my soul 
in resignation at his feet. I am not my own, 
but his ; and O ! may my language ever be, 
" Not as I will, but as thou wilt." I find I need 
not drop the body to enjoy the presence of my 
God : he dwells in my heart : — in him I live ; — he 
surrounds, supports, sustains me : — wrapped in 
his being, I resound his praise ! O the heart- 
felt communion my soul enjoys with him — the 



198 MRS. HESTER AJtfN ROGERS. 

intimate converse, the sweet fellowship ! My 
spirit is filled and yet enlarged. It often seems 
as if mortality could bear no more ; and yet my 
desires are insatiable. I long to plunge deeper 
into God. 

I rejoice to find, by your last letter, that you 
are cleaving to your Lord, and happy in his 
precious love. O that every day and hour you 
breathe, you may sink deeper into him ! All, all 
you want is there. Let not your trials be any 
discouragement : nay, " Rejoice and be exceed- 
ing glad, for great is your reward in heaven." 
Remember every cross is a pledge of your 
crown, and all your sufferings will add to your 
eternal weight of glory. I hope you are all in 
earnest for the precious pearl of perfect love : 
O look up to a present and a faithful God ! Ask, 
and you shall receive ;— all things in him are 
now ready: be not faithless, but believing. Hath 
he said, " I will circumcise thy heart," and will 
he not do it ? Sooner shall heaven and earth 
pass away than his promise fail, if you only em- 
brace it by believing. O claim your privilege — 
the inheritance of the land of promise, the rest 
of holiness purchased for you by blood ! Go up 
and possess it — fear not — come now, just as you 
are— empty, to be filled — filthy, to be cleansed. 

" Sink into the purple flood, 
Rise to all the life of God." 

Be assured I ever remember you at the throne 
of grace, and remain your friend and sister in 
Jesus, H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 199 



Letter VII. — To the Same. 

Macclesfield, March 10, 1778. 

Dear Cousin, — I bless God that you learn 
wisdom by the things that you have suffered ; 
and that you feel temptations from Satan, as well 
as outward trials, do work together for your 
good. So it shall ever be to all who love God, 
as I am fully persuaded you do. 

I have of late been exercised with various and 
close trials, but not one too many ; for all are 
permitted by my God ! He is my portion, and 
reigneth in my heart alone. I have a happiness, 
therefore, independent on any creature, or any 
thing below the sun : God is all, and he is mine ! 

" All my treasure is above, 
All my riches is his love." 

O precious portion, invaluable treasure ! 

" Joys that never, never past, 
Through eternity shall last." 

I think believers in general do not meditate 
enough on their privileges, and the great things 
God hath done for them, and promised to them ; 
from what they are redeemed, and the fulness 
they are called to possess. Let us now dwell 
a little on the blessed theme : let us look to the 
rock whence we were hewn, that we may re- 
joice the more in what we now are. Were we 
not once going on in the way to eternal ruin ? 
dead in trespasses and sins, yea, slaves to Sa- 
tan, and led by that grand adversary whitherso- 



200 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

ever he would ; yea, sleeping secure on the very 
verge of destruction ? O my friend, if God had 
then eut the thread of life, and sent us to reap 
what our sins deserved, we had now been lift- 
ing up our eyes in torments ! But, stupendous 
love ! 

" When justice bared the sword, 
To cut the fig tree down, 
The mercy of our Lord 
Cried, Let it still alone." 

Yes, he spared our rebel souls — he shed his 
blood to ransom us from death ; — and mercy to 
our rescue flew. We were awakened by his 
Spirit to a sense of our danger ; and no sooner 
did we truly seek, but he was found. Yes, we 
found redemption in his blood, the forgiveness 
of our sins ; and, from being the bond-slaves of 
hell, are become the children of God ; and now 
all the Father hath to give is ours — ours by co- 
venant through Jesus. He hath the Holy Ghost 
to give as an abiding, indwelling Comforter: 
this blessing then is ours. All the promises are 
our own : — " They are all yea and amen in 
Christ Jesus." Jesus hath given himself to us, 
and the Father is our God. Was it not the 
word of our redeeming Lord, " I and my Father 
will come and make our abode with you." And 
again, " I will send you another Comforter, even 
the Holy Ghost, who shall abide with you for 
ever : he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." 
Here then are promises of the whole divine 
Trinity dwelling in our hearts ; and are not these 
promises sealed with the blood of the covenant 1 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 201 

But will God, the eternal Trinity, dwell in an 
impure heart ? — O no ! but, by entering, he will 
cleanse it. Every root of bitterness, every re- 
maining sin, and all the strong armour of unbe- 
lief will flee before him. Can they stand his 
presence ? No, no ; God is love, and where he 
dwelleth, nothing but pure love can dwell. 

" Thy presence, Lord, I cannot doubt, 
Extirpates inbred sin." 

glory be to God, what a precious salvation 
is here ! And this is the privilege, the happy 
privilege of all who have embraced the Saviour. 
All he hath promised, all he hath to give, is the 
believer's portion. Faith believes the record 
true, without staggering at the promise. The 
promise, my dear friend, is for you. Receive 
it, then, and let the humble language of your 
soul be — " Be it unto me according to thy word." 
O rely on the word of a God that cannot lie, and 
receive him as your sanctification, and as your 
indwelling, abiding Comforter, your King and 
your God. If you feel the flame that is now 
kindled in my breast, you will : — this will be the 
happy moment. Speak, thou eternal God, and 
let thy servant now be clean. 

1 had been led unawares thus to speak, but I 
believe it is by the Spirit of God ; for, while I 
write, I am indeed filled with divine consolations. 
My soul feels all I have spoken. Glory be to God, 
for I am most unworthy. I have much greater 
depths of humble love to prove, and my soul 
thirsts after them. O pray for me ! Praise, for 



202 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

me, the God I truly love, and believe me ever 
your affectionate sister and friend, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter VIII. — To the Same. 

Macclesfield, May 15, 1778. 

Dear Cousin, — I am not much surprised that 
you are assaulted with the temptations you men- 
tion in your last ; and though I feel for you, I 
have no fears on your account. I know the 
Lord will make your darkness light, your crook- 
ed paths straight, and your soul shall see the 
salvation of God. 

It is no marvel that the enemy of souls em- 
ploys his every artifice to destroy your peace. 
And will he not the rather do this just at a cri- 
tical season, when your outward trials are great ? 
He sees you pursuing the things, and espousing ; 
the glorious cause which shall overturn his king- 
dom. Marvel not then at his rage against you. 
It proves to me that you will be an instrument, 
in the hands of God, of much good to precious 
souls ; and that this dire enemy foresees it likely 
to be so ; and therefore would retard, though he 
cannot hinder or stop your progress. You say, 
you " cannot believe till these doubts are cleared 
up." Here is another device of Satan. Your 
doubts cannot be removed till you do believe. 
Faith only is able to quench all the fiery darts 
of the wicked one ; — only believe, and you shall 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 203 

be saved from all your doubts ; meridian evi- 
dence shall put them all to flight. Cast your 
soul, your fears, your unbelief, your inbred sin, 
your all, at the feet of Christ; and into the 
fountain of his blood, the depths of his love. Be 
determined : Lord, thou shaft be my teacher, 
wisdom, guide, counsellor — my atonement, my 
king, my portion, — 

" Helpless into thy hands I fall , 
Be thou my God, my all in all." 

Yes, my dear friend, leave Christ to answer 
every temptation that besets you. He hath said, 
" My grace is sufficient for thee." This is 
enough : be not faithless, but believing. 

You ask if I am not in a delusion respecting 
my experience of perfect love ? Blessed be God, 
I have not the shadow of doubt. Even Satan 
himself finds these suggestions vain, and has left 
them off. He would rather lead me to doubt, or 
care for to-morrow ; saying, such and such a 
thing is at hand, and will overcome thee. Thou 
wilt fall in some of thy trials ; or, when death 
.comes, thou wilt be under a cloud. But, through 
grace divine, I am enabled to discern whence 
these suggestions come, and they never distress 
me for a moment : for, by constantly looking to 
Jesus, I receive fresh strength in every time of 
need. I know I am now right, and I trust him 
for all that is to come : and, though all weak- 
ness, ignorance, helplessness, and un worthiness, 
yet I have the testimony of my own conscience, 
and the witness of God's Spirit, that I am wholly 
and unreservedly his — his in body, spirit, soul ; 



204 MRS. HESTER ANN ROUERS. 

nor does any thing but love remain in my heart 
But, were I in a delusion— O happy delusion ! it 
brings salvation — it brings heaven below ! Nay, 
with what I this moment feel, I could be happy 
in the greatest of outward conflicts and dis- 
tresses, for Christ is in my heart ! I dwell in 
God, and God in me — I dwell in love, and love 
dwelleth in me — God is love, and he is all I 
want. And is it possible we should be ignorant 
whether we feel tempers contrary to love or no ? 
— whether we rejoice always, or are burdened 
and bowed down with sorrow? — whether we 
have a praying, or a dead, lifeless spirit? — 
whether we can praise God, and be resigned in 
all trials, or feel murmurings, fretfulness, and 
impatience under them ? Is it not easy to know 
if we feel anger at provocations, or whether we 
feel our tempers mild, gentle, peaceable, and 
easy to be entreated, or feel stubbornness, self- 
will, and pride ? Whether we have slavish 
fears, or are possessed of that perfect love which 
casteth out all fear that hath torment ? . 

You ask how I obtained this great salvation ? 
I answer, Just as I obtained the pardon of my 
sin — by simple faith. No sooner did the pride 
and remaining unbelief of my heart submit to be 
taught, and to receive his precious full salvation, 
as a free gift of his grace, by faith alone, with- 
out any fitness or worthiness, but I was instantly 
filled with such humbling depths of love to God, 
and union with him, with such discoveries of my 
own nothingness, as wholly swallowed up my 
soul in gratitude and praise, I knew the faith- 






MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 2?5 

fulness of my God, and ventured on trie promise 
in spite of reasoning and unbelief, and all the 
lying suggestions of the enemy, and believed 
against hope, or whatever opposed ; when I felt 
my soul sinking into nothing, and Jesus became 
my all. I cried, This is what I wanted : I am 
emptied of self, and filled with God : I am now 
where I ought to be, a worm at Jesus' feet, saved 
by grace. But a thousand suggestions were 
soon darted ; such as, Thou wilt soon lose it : 
thou canst not stand ; when thou art tried thou 
wilt fall. I said, Lord, thou alone canst be my 
keeper — see thou to that — I have given myself 
into thy hands, and I will hang upon thee. Thou 
hast promised, " My grace is sufficient for thee." 

the preciousness of these words ! I shall praise 
God in eternity that they are written in his book. 
This, and such other promises, have been proof 
for me against every opposition and trial I have 
met with ; (which you know are not few ;) and 
by thus trusting the promise and the Promiser, 

1 have conquered : and, glory be to God, through 
his strength I shall still prevail. It is by hang- 
ing on Jesus, as an infant on its mother's breast, 
I retain my peace, and love, and joy : by watch- 
ing, prayer, and praise : by pressing after deeper 
degrees of humble love, communion with God 
and active holiness. Never were the ways of 
God so sweet as now to my soul : I love the 
narrowest path his Spirit and his word point out ; 
and all my delight is to do and suffer his will. 
O may the same God of love fully reveal his 
great salvation in your heart, and be himself your 



206 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

rich portion for ever; prays your affectionate 
cousin and friend, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter IX. — To Miss Bourn, of Newcastle, 
Staffordshire. 

Macclesfield, Aug. 20, 1778. 
My Dear Sister, — I was glad to receive 
yours by Mr. Hall. It always gives me pleasure 
to hear from you. In the bonds of divine love, 
my soul is united to yours : and, from the con- 
tents of your letter, as well as the power I had 
in your behalf with my God, I am assured that 
before long you will be a happy witness that 
Jesus can and will, and does destroy the last 
remains of sin in his children's hearts in this 
life : yea, in every such heart as does truly 
hunger and thirst after righteousness. You do 
hunger and thirst ; O that you could look to him 
this moment as a precious Saviour ! Is he not 
so ? Do you not feel his loving presence ? Are 
you not his ; the purchase of his blood ; the new- 
made creature of his love ; born of God, and 
become his child ? Is not Jesus your beloved 
and your friend ? Can he then deny his own 
Spirit's cry in your heart : and that too when all 
you ask is, that he will destroy his own enemies 
in your soul, and enable you to love him with all 
your heart ? But as to that temptation, " If you 
receive it now, you will soon lose it :" is he no* 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 207 

able and willing, and faithful to keep, as he is 
to save ? Yes, glory to his holy name, L know- 
he is. He is the all-sufficient God, and, saith 
he, " My strength is made perfect in weakness." 
Trust him, then, poor, weak, and helpless soul. 
" But it is not long enough since you were jus- 
tified." Does God tell you so ? Has he set any 
limited time ? None that I know of, except the 
present. He saith, Now, "to-day, if you will 
hear my voice." And again, " Now is the day 
of salvation." And again, " Come, for all things 
are now ready." He has commanded, " Thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, 
with all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all 
thy strength :" and he hath promised, " I will 
circumcise thy heart," that thou mayest do it. 
But does he ever say, " Suffer so much, or stay so 
long, and I will do it ?" Nay, but he saith, " If 
any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 
Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be 
full." 

My dear Miss Bourn, there are some in this 
town who have not been justified so long as 
you ; who have received, and do profess this 
blessing. O then, come once more, even as you 
came when first reconciled to God, and cast your 
soul simply on Jesus ! Would he bleed for us 
when rebels, and will he refuse to avenge us of 
our inbred foe, when we are his beloved chil- 
dren ? Surely no ; it cannot be. I hope soon 
to see my dear friend, and that she will be able 
to tell me she has obtained this precious salva- 
tion. 



208 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Did you ever read Mr. Wesley's sermon on 
the Scripture way of salvation ? You would do 
well to consider the conclusion of it attentively. 
" Hereby," says he, " you may surely know 
whether you are seeking to be sanctified by faith, 
or by works. If by works, you want something 
to be done first before you are sanctified. You 
think I must first be, or do thus or thus. Then 
you are seeking it by works unto this day. On 
the other hand, if you seek it hy faith, you may 
expect it as you are ; and if as you are, then ex- 
pect it now. Do you believe we are sanctified 
by faith ? Be true then to your principle, and 
look for this blessing just as you are, neither 
better nor worse : as a poor sinner that has no- 
thing to pay, nothing to plead, but Christ died. 
And if you look for it as you are, expect it now : 
stay for nothing : why should you ? Christ is 
H; ready, and he is all you want." Let your in- 
most soul cry out, 

" Come in, come in, thou heavenly guest, 
Nor ever hence remove ; 
Settle and fix my wavering soul, 
With all thy weight of love." 

Glory be to God, he carries on a glorious 
work among us here. Sinners are convinced, 
many are justified ; and lately, several back- 
sliders have been restored. One poor soul, 
that had been long wandering from her God, 
was restored last night, while a few of us were 
at prayer. I am, my dear friend, yours in 
Jesus. H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 209 

Letter X. — To the Same. 

Macclesfield, Nov. 15, 1778. 
My Dear Sister, — Your letter caused great 
thanksgiving to God on your account ; all glory- 
be to him who hath increased your desires after 
holiness. Fear not, you will surely attain if 
you follow on. That lovely Lamb that bled on 
Calvary was slain " to redeem us from all ini- 
quity." O look to him : behold the glory of 
God ! See the God of angels ; O look at his 
precious bleeding side ; his hands, his head, 
his feet ! Behold him gasping, groaning, dying, 
that you might be made clean ! " Without holi- 
ness no man shall see the Lord." But, glory 
to his name, whoever steps into that fountain, 
which is expressly said to be for sin and for 
uncle anness, shall be made perfectly whole. 
let your faith venture in ! wash and be 
clean :- — 

" Sink into the purple flood, 
Rise to all the life of God." 

Open, my dear sister, open your willing, 
longing heart, and the King of glory will come 
in. And then be assured, " all evil before his 
presence shall fly." Sin cannot remain where 
Jesus fully dwells : for he is holiness, and where 
he fills the soul, he leaves no room for any 
other guest. Whenever you can say, Jesus, 
thou art my all, and I love my God the present 
moment, with all my loving heart, you that 
moment possess the blessing of sanctification, 
14 



210 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

and never need to lose it more. It is retained, 
as well as received, by simple faith. We can 
have no stock of grace on hand, but live moment 
by moment ; hanging and depending on the 
adorable Jesus. In him there is a full supply 
of all we want, or can want. 

This, blessed be God, I prove, and that con- 
tinually. Every hour, every moment, brings 
me fresh delight in God. He is an inexhaust- 
ible fountain of love : — 

" Insatiate to this spring I fly, 
I drink, and yet am ever dry." 

I cannot express the sweet union I feel with 
my God at this moment. 

" My Jesus to know, and feel his blood flow, 
'Tis life everlasting, 'tis heaven below." 

I am much blessed when I remember my 
dear friend at the throne of grace ; and often 
do I beseech my blessed Lord to 

" Fill her with all the life of love, 
In mystic union join 
Her to thyself, and let her prove 
The fellowship divine." 

Jesus is unspeakably precious while I write : 
may you catch the flame I feel : — 

" And when your cup with love runs o'er, 
O may sin never enter more." 

So prays, my dear sister, yours in divine 
bonds, H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 211 

Letter XL — To Miss R., before she received 
sanctijication. 

Macclesfield, Nov. 21, 1778. 

Last Thursday evening I was pleasingly 
surprised by a letter from my dear Miss R., 
who, I sometimes feared, had forgot all her 
purposes and promises ; and also all the bless- 
ings she so often received when we met in our 
Lord's name. I was glad to find my fears 
groundless ; but much more pleased and thank- 
ful was I to find, by the contents of your last, 
that your precious soul was still labouring up 
the hill of holiness : go on and prosper. Many 
are the trials we meet with in the way : yea, 
our Lord hath foretold us, that in the world we 
should have tribulation, but in him peace. 

I hope you enjoy a sense, yea, a clear sense, 
of pardon at the worst of times. This is your 
privilege, and I am thankful you discern such 
beauty in holiness. O how sweet are those 
words : — " Without holiness no man shall see 
the Lord." You have cause to praise God for 
the knowledge he has given you of your 
nature's depravity. It is very good and profit- 
able to know our sinful tendencies. O ! my 
dear, be very watchful against little things, and 
" keep thy heart with all diligence ; for out of 
it are the issues of life." Let God have your 
first thoughts ; let him be first in your affec- 
tions ; so shall your words and works please 
him ; for 



212 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

" What are all our works to him, 
Unless they spring from love." 

Daily entreat him to take away all opposition 
that remains in your will, to his providential 
order : so shall you find rest in those circum- 
stances, which otherwise would give you much 
uneasiness. The meditations of your heart 
leading to him ; the affections of your soul 
cleaving to Jesus ; your will sinking into his 
will ; here is the rest of the saints ! while all 
that is within you calls your Jesus King. 
"Whatever ye ask in my name," saith our 
adorable Redeemer, " you shall receive." Ask, 
then, my dear friend, for a greater power of 
faith ; for, as you believe, so will you increase 
in every grace of his Spirit ; and your soul will 
more and more centre in God, till you become 
one spirit with him, who is the life of all living ; 
yea, the very essence of heaven itself ! 

" To his meritorious passion 
All our happiness we owe ; 
Pardon, uttermost salvation, 

Heaven above, and heaven below : 

Grace and glory 
From that open fountain flow." 

To the care and love of our almighty Jesus 
I commend you : O may his face always shine 
upon you, and his blessed, loving Spirit, fill 
your soul ! Pray much, and you shall attain all 
the salvation you desire. I am yours in bonds 
of divine love, H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 213 

Letter XII. — To a preacher of the gdbpej, in 
answer to some inquiries relative to the state 
of her soul. 

Macclesfield, Dec. 6, 1778. 
Dear Sir, — To tell you one thousandth part 
of the preciousness of Jesus, is a task impos- 
sible to men or angels. To my soul, he is 
truly the altogether lovely : the one object in 
which all my desires, expectations, and affec- 
tions centre — the Alpha and the Omega. To 
him my more than all I owe, being snatched by 
his grace, a brand from everlasting burnings ! 
My surety he is ; my life, my peace, my trea- 
sure, my husband, brother, friend — my wisdom, 
my righteousness, my sanctirlcation ; my all in 
all, for time and for eternity. Him, and him 
alone, I desire : him, and him alone, I love. 

" I have no sharer of my heart, 
To rob my Saviour of a part, 
And desecrate the whole ; 
His loveliness my soul has prepossess'd, 
And left no room for any other guest." 

Yet, O how is my heart expanded when I 
see I have yet received but, as it were, a drop 
out of the ocean ! but a glimpse of his precious 
fulness ; and an eternity of growing bliss lies 
yet before me ! This glorious prospect truly 
lays me where I would for ever lie, at his dear 
feet, the monument of his mercy. O that I 
could praise him as I would! but language 
fails, and I long for that day when I shall 



214 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

praise him in noblej strains above. Were he 
to give the summons now, and call me from 
earth away, O how gladly could I wing my 
flight this hour! Loose from creature and 
created good, I only wait the joyful word, 
Come up higher ! Then would I exulting 

" Clap the glad wing, and soar away, 
And mingle with the blaze of day." 

In that blessed kingdom, dear sir, I hope to 
meet you, though perhaps on earth we may 
meet no more. In the mean time may you be 
filled with all the fulness of Father, Son, and 
Spirit ; rejoicing herein with increasing joy, 
and made very useful in your Lord's vineyard. 
So prays sincerely your real well wisher for 
Christ's sake, H. A. Roe. 



Letter XIII. — To Mr. Robert Roe. 

Chester, Dec. 19, 1778. 
Dear Cousin, — I am glad to hear, by your 
sister, that you are restored to a measure of 
health ; and that the Lord, the faithful God, is 
still your support : may he be so to the end of 
your" pilgrimage. Lean every moment on your 
Beloved, and attend continually to the lessons 
of his love. I trust you have learned many 
sweet and important truths in your late afflic- 
tion, and are coming out of it as gold purified in 
the fire. You have no cause to fear even legions 
of spiritual enemies : tempt they may, and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 215 

powerfully assault, but cannot harm. I am led 
to believe all the depressions of mind you some- 
times feel are in a great measure owing to two 
things : First, not being deeply and clearly sen- 
sible what is temptation, and what is sin ; and, 
secondly, accounting the inseparable infirmities 
of the corruptible body to be sin : such as, errors 
in judgment, failures of memory, bodily weak- 
ness, or pain ; and at times, through various 
causes, a depression of animal spirits. This 
last mistake may arise from another, viz., look- 
ing upon elevating, transporting joy, as insepa- 
rable from true grace. Now, I think you must 
allow, that, as free agents nothing but what our 
will chooses in opposition to the will of God, 
or, as Mr. Wesley expresses it, " nothing but a 
wilful transgression of a known law is sin." 
Granting this, then, and though ten thousand 
sinful objects, or desires, in all the pleasing 
forms that Satan can invent, may be darted 
into our minds, or displayed before the eyes of 
our imagination, if our will and affections do 
not embrace or choose them, but we resist 
and hate them ; in this case we do not sin, but 
conquer. 

Secondly : when through various indisposi- 
tions of the frail, tottering body, we feel a very 
small degree of joy ; nay, perhaps only a de- 
gree of hope and confidence, and, at the same 
time, the enemy endeavouring to lay the axe 
of his temptations at the root of this ; this, I 
say, is a time to take the advice of God by his 
prophet, " Who is among you that feareth the 



216 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Lord, that obeyeth trie voice of his servant, that 
walketh in darkness, and hath no light ? Let 
him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay 
upon his God." This text proves that joy is 
not inseparable from grace. It is not according 
to our joy, (for this is the fruit or effect of faith,) 
but according to our faith he blesses and saves, 
accepts and loves us. Our love to God, his 
cause, his people, his precepts, all springing 
from the root of faith, are so many acts of the 
soul, which our heavenly Father approves and 
accepts through his beloved Son ; and are in- 
separable evidences of our sonship. But joys, 
comforts, and communications of the Holy 
Ghost, are so many free gifts bestowed upon 
us ; because the Lord delights in blessing, 
comforting, and dwelling in us ; and are so 
many pledges of his unmerited love. 

Now, if the Lord permit bodily affliction, so 
that we cannot receive the communications, (I 
mean, cannot receive them without an extra- 
ordinary exertion of his power and love, which, 
indeed, we often see manifested in the dying 
hours of those who love God, and I myself have 
often felt in sickness and close trials,) ought we 
not, in such cases, to cast ourselves by faith on 
him, and without giving way to reasoning, be- 
lieve he will make every affliction work for our 
good? Surely we ought to trust him at all 
times — it is our privilege. Do not mistake me ; 
I am not condemning a religion that may be 
felt ; I would only prove to you that faith is the 
root of joy, and not joy the root of faith ; and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 217 

that you ought not to cast away your shield of 
faith, because you have not, for the present 
moment, much* joy. When we are beset with 
various trials, various temptations, and various 
suggestions ; such as, Thou wilt surely fall ; 
such a temptation will prove too hard for thee, 
&c, " My grace is sufficient for thee," saith 
the Lord ; he who knows all your trials. Now, 
when by faith we embrace and rely on this pro- 
mise, knowing he who is faithful will perform 
his word; we are strengthened by a sweet 
peace, and well-grounded confidence and hope, 
that shall never make us ashamed. And, while 
we continue to live by this faith, we more than 
conquer, whether our joy be little or great. 
This is our shield, and God is pleased by afflic- 
tions to try and prove this faith, that it may be 
more conspicuous to all. Not that he is dis- 
pleased with us for any thing, but, whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth. I believe this is 
often your case ; and he calls upon you by his 
word, " not to cast away your confidence, which 
hath great recompense of reward. For yet a 
little while, and he that shall come will come, 
and will not tarry." 

With respect to sanctification, I mean the in- 
stantaneous work, you have the word of a God — 
" I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye 
shall be clean ; from all your filthiness, and from 
all your idols will I cleanse you." Here is a 
full, free promise. Do you seek this salvation 
by faith, or by works 1 If by faith, then you 
have no need to tarry for worthiness or fitness, 



218 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

but come now, just as you are. You must em- 
brace the promise, believe it, hang upon it, re- 
joice in it as your own, trusting God to perform 
it. Soon as you cast your soul upon him by 
faith, he will seal the blessing on your heart. 
May he reveal these things to you by his Spirit, 
and fill you with all his fulness, prays your af- 
fectionate friend and cousin, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter XIV.— -To the Same. 

Nantwich, April 20, 1779. 
Dear Cousin, — You are quite mistaken — 
you do not try my patience at all ; but you are 
made a means of humbling my soul before God, 
when you think me capable of answering in a • 
proper manner the questions you ask : and yet, 
as far as the Lord has taught me, I am willing . 
to communicate. I believe your eye is single : 
you are a child of God, and an heir of glory t 
For you the Father gave his only Son : Jesus 
the Saviour bled for you : and the blessed Spi- 
rit hath applied the blood of sprinkling to the 
pardon of your sins, and the comfort of your soul 
in all your various trip-Is. I account it no strange 
thing that you should be assaulted like your hea- 
venly Master ; yet surely you will not give way 
to reasoning, because Satan accosts you as he 
did the incarnate God. No : rather take com- 
fort, for he that had no sin was tempted in this 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 219 

very point, like as you are. A hypocrite may 
boast he is never tempted ; has no doubts or 
fears ; but a child of God (some rare cases ex- 
cepted) is seldom long together unassaulted by 
our vigilant adversary, who takes every possi- 
ble method and opportunity to attack our confi- 
dence in the Lord, and to work upon all that 
remains of the carnal mind, or of unbelief : but 
he can only tempt : he cannot force us to give 
way either to sin or unbelief. Neither think it 
strange that you are not inwardly as holy as you 
ought to be : every child of God feels the same, 
till fully renewed in love by the power of the 
Holy Ghost. Till then he has faith ; but it is 
often mixed with unbelief: — he has love; but 
though he loves God above all things, yet the 
love of self and of creature comforts often steal 
in. He has a blessed measure of true humility ; 
and yet he is constrained to acknowledge fre- 
quently with tears, 

" Cursed pride, that busy sin, 
Spoils all that I perform." 

His patience and resignation are not perfect: 
his will is not fully subdued to God at all times, 
nor his affections and desires wholly spiritual. 
The Spirit of God does visit, but does not dwell ; 
does, at times, almost fill the soul with delight, 
thereby wooing it to cast away unbelief, and 
open the door to receive all the precious mind 
of Jesus — all the stamp of love divine. Now 
when a soul is obedient to the voice of God, 
when it does open the door, and grasp the pro- 



220 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

mises of holiness in the hand of faith, he will 
come into that soul, and plant his own nature 
there. Then, when perfected in love, faith be- 
comes constant, and unmixed with unbelief. 
Love takes full possession of the soul, and hu- 
mility, unmixed with pride, lays him at the Sa- 
viour's feet. His constant faith, and perfect 
love, now bring forth perfect patience and resig- 
nation. His deep-rooted humility having laid 
all self at the Saviour's feet, his will is now 
quite subject, and all his language is, 

" All 's alike to me, so I 
In my Lord may live and die." 

But even this state is consistent with much ig- 
norance, many weaknesses and infirmities; — 
with many temptations, trials, crosses, and bodily 
afflictions ; and, on account of these, our joy 
may at times be small : yet our faith may be 
perfect, and our peace undisturbed. I believe 
our faith is often made manifest by following - 
God blindfold ; (if I may be allowed the expres- 
sion ;) I mean, when our ignorance and blind- 
ness cannot account for his providential dispen- 
sations ; when we are beset with trials, and see 
no way to escape. In this case faith says, " It 
is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." 
Being confident of this one thing, " What I know 
not now, I shall know hereafter ;" I will trust 
in my God, and not be afraid, for he is my all. 
I have not time, room, or expression, to tell a 
thousandth part of the goodness of my God to 
my soul. He is ever with me, and assures my 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 221 

heart, " All that I have is thine." All my de- 
sires are satisfied in him : — I live in him, and 
walk in him, and he is my God. He is with me 
in sickness and in health — at home and abroad — 
in public and in private. In reading or writing 
I feel his presence : and O ! when I am bowed 
before his throne, he lets down a heaven of 
bliss ! Language fails when I speak of his love ! 
O may my every breath speak his praise ! I 
remain your unworthy friend, but happy sister, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter XV. — To Miss Salmon. 

Malpas, June 16, 1779. 
My Dear Friend, — How shall I praise my 
God for his goodness, his infinite, his stupendous 
love ! O how he heaps his benefits upon me, 
and makes every other blessing sweet, by the 
gift of himself! Would any thing the world calls 
great or good be any thing to me without my 
God ! Ah ! no, no : every thing most desirable 
is hateful to my soul, wherein I cannot taste, or 
feel, or see something of my blessed Lord : but, 
all glory be to him, he is my all in all things. 
Help me to love this only lovely, dearest object 
of my wishes. Let him, my dear sister, be our 
Lord and King for ever. Yes, Lord, take our 
hearts : — 

" Manage the wheels by thy command, 
And govern every spring. " 



222 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

How sweet is the yoke of Jesus ! O how 
gentle, how tender, how compassionate his care ! 
How hath he borne you and I, as weak and help- 
less lambs in his arms, carried us in his bosom, 
and defended us from the power of the enemy ! 
Eternal Lord God, thou indwelling Trinity, 
whom truly our hearts do love, accept the gra- 
titude words cannot speak : in silent adoration 
we adore thee, overwhelmed at thy amazing 
grace ! I cannot utter, my dear friend, the sweet 
feelings of my heart, or tell you how divine a 
union my spirit feels with yours. O may you 
now, and henceforth, prove all that Jesus can 
bestow ! How much is that ? Words cannot tell 
you ; but yours it is, through the merit of his 
blood ! 

I intended to begin my letter with thanks for 
your love and kindness to me at Chester ; but I 
was led to the precious fountain of all comfort, 
and when I had once begun his mercy's theme, 
I could not break off! I bear, however, a grate- 
ful sense of the affectionate regard you mani- 
fested ; and though to tell you so is all I can do, 
my Lord will surely reward. My love to dear 
Miss Bennett, and all that family ; and to all 
where you are. I bear them all on my heart 
before God. I love them all ; and if they knew 
how Jesus loves them they would not keep 
back their hearts from him. I got safe to this 
place, and am treated very kindly by this 
loving family ; but O how I feel for those who 
love not God! My dear Miss B. is as open and 
free as before. My soul cleaves to her, and I 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 223 

have great hopes. Pray for her, and for your 
ever affectionate, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter XVI. — To Miss Loxdale. 

Nantwich, June 30, 1779. 
Dear Sister, — My dear friend's letter was 
indeed a pleasure and a blessing to me ; and my 
Lord's great goodness to you is a fresh motive 
to love and praise him. But fresh motives of 
this kind are no new things to me ; I am ever 
discovering instances of his goodness that fill 
me with wonder and astonishment, and cause 
me to exclaim, with holy David, " Lord, what is 
man, that thou art mindful of him ?" Great 
things, indeed, my dear sister, hath the Lord 
done for you, and for your unworthy friend : and 
yet, O stupendous grace ! we have only received 
a drop from the ocean of his love : an endless 
prospect, and a maze of bliss, lie yet before us ! — 
opening beauties, and such lengths, and breadths, 
and depths, and heights, as thought cannot reach, 
or mind of man conceive ! It is, my friend, the 
fulness of the triune God, in which we may 
bathe, and plunge, and sink, till lost and swal- 
lowed up in the ever-increasing, overflowing 
ocean of delights. His fulness ; O what is it ! 
— shall we ever fathom it? ever know a ten 
thousandth part 1 Ah no ! a ten thousandth part 
of that effulgence we could not bear to know 



224 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

and live ! Nay, and when disembodied through 
the revolving ages of eternity, I am persuaded 
we shall only seem beginning to know his ful- 
ness of love. What thoughts are these ! when 
I enter into them, as into a labyrinth, they al- 
most overcome my natural powers. O how very 
little of his revealed glory can this earthen ves- 
sel contain! but a time is hastening on, (and I 
eagerly wait for its approach,) when, no longer 
imprisoned in clay, our eyes shall be strength- 
ened to see him as he is ; — see him for ourselves, 
and bask for ever in his smiles. Yes, we shall 
be with Jesus and behold his glory. He will 
reveal to us also, as much as we can bear, of 
the fulness of the Father's glory ; and we shall 
be with Father, Son, and Spirit, filled to all 
eternity ! But I have been led further than I 
intended : I must return. 

Permit me to ask, my dear friend, what are 
your ideas, what is your opinion, or what your 
experience of inward, instantaneous sanctifica- 
tion ; whereby the root, the in-being of sin is 
destroyed 1 I do not mean or allude to a state 
of angelic or Adamic, but a Christian perfection ; 
a destruction of every temper contrary to love ; — 
a state consistent with many temptations of the 
devil, if our hearts repel those temptations, and 
our will do not embrace or yield to them : for 
that cannot be sin, in which our will has no part. 
Thus it was with Jesus : "In him was no sin, 
yet he was tempted in all points as we are :" 
before his pure eyes did that enemy display all 
the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 225 

them : — to his spotless soul he suggested dis- 
turbing doubts, and presumptuous expectations ; 
but in the Son of God they found no place. 
Again ; what I mean is a state consistent with 
a growth in grace ; for Jesus, though always 
pure, " increased in wisdom and stature, and in 
favour with God and man." Is not such a state 
expressed and described in the thirteenth of the 
first book of Corinthians ? and is it not com- 
manded in these gracious words, " Rejoice ever- 
more, pray without ceasing, and in every thing 
give thanks ?" Does the apostle add, " This is 
the will of God concerning you?" And after 
praying, " Now the God of peace sanctify you 
wholly:" does he not pray that " your whole spi- 
rit, soul, and body, (after they are so sanctified,) 
may be preserved blameless to the coming of our 
Lord Jesus Christ ?" Then follows the glorious 
promise, " Faithful is he that calleth you, who 
also will do it." And is not the same thing 
promised in the sweet passage you named : " I 
will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall 
be clean : from all your filthiness, and from all 
your idols will I cleanse you ?" &c. And again, 
did he not " swear to our father Abraham, that 
he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered 
out of the hands of our enemies, might serve 
him without fear, in holiness and righteousness 
before him all the days of our life ?" By the 
state I weakly attempt to describe, I mean, that 
degree of humble love which excludes every 
temper contrary thereto ; and faith that excludes 
the remains of unbelief, and every tormenting 
15 



226 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

fear ; "for he that feareth is not made perfect 
in love." It is " fellowship with the Father, and 
with his Son Jesus Christ," through the Spirit, 
by whose abiding witness we can say, " Abba, 
Father — my Lord and my God," with an un- 
wavering tongue. 

I know this precious gospel salvation is even 
derided by some, and exploded by many. Per- 
haps you may have conversed with some of these ; 
and not have met with many who have dared to 
speak for God in this respect. Some of my ex- 
pressions may therefore appear odd or unusual; 
but, compare them with Scripture, and mention 
with freedom any of them you wish me to ex- 
plain. As I know your situation, you will ex- 
cuse the liberty I take in advising you not to 
meddle with opinions : this will insensibly eat 
out of the soul the precious life of God. Dis- 
pute not with any ; or, if they seek doubtful 
disputations, it is a good way to propose prayer. 
But it may be well, as much as can be, to avoid 
the company of those who love vain controversy. 
Endeavour to possess a calm, recollected spirit 
— a heartfelt union with a holy God. Sweet 
truth — God is love, and love is the Christian's 
all. Love in us is his nature imparted : it is 
the fulfilling of the law, the perfect law of liberty. 
Whosoever " loveth his brother," hath fulfilled 
the law to his neighbour : and he who " loveth 
the Lord his God with all his heart, and soul, 
and mind, and strength," hath fulfilled the law 
to him also. To such " his commandments are 
not grievous ;" not a task, a wearisome burden, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 227 

but a delight : " They are ways of pleasantness 
— they are paths of peace." And as we are 
under a law of love to God, so God, our God in 
Christ, is under a covenant of love, in which is 
made over to us all he is, and all he has to give ; 
his every attribute ; his wisdom to guide and 
teach ; his power to protect, and help, and 
strengthen ; his faithfulness, his truth, his mer- 
cy, &c, all sealed over, and secured by cove- 
nant promises and covenant blood. 

O my dear sister, what a blessed portion is 
ours ! Let us determine to prove it all. We 
may, I trust we shall, and together praise in 
endless day the great Three One. I am ever 
yours in him, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter XVII. — To the Same. 

Macclesfield, Aug. 4, 1775. 
I thank you, my dear sister, for your last, 
and would have written sooner, but a violent 
rheumatic pain in my head prevented me. I 
clearly see in your experience a deepening of 
the work of God. He is preparing your heart 
for his perfect love : he is emptying you of self 
that you may be swallowed up in him : he is 
crucifying you to the world, that you may live 
to him, and jfor him alone : he discovers to you 
the beauties of holiness, that your soul and all 
its powers may be captivated thereby, and en- 



228 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

larged to ask and receive all his goodness waits 
to give. It is no marvel that Satan shoots his 
fiery darts, and employs his strongest batteries 
to prevent this work of grace : he ever did, and 
he ever will. This precious salvation entirely 
overturns his kingdom in the believer's heart ; 
he hath no more place, no more power : he 
finds no inward evil now (in those thus saved) 
to close in with his temptations. His every dart 
is now repelled ; quick-sighted love discovers all 
nis snares, and, armed with the strength of Om- 
nipotence, we more than conquer ! 

The temptations you find, are the same I was 
followed with, when the fountains of the great 
deep of inbred corruption were discovered to my 
view : yes, I experienced them all, and ten times 
more. 

Mr. Fletcher's Polemical Essay, especially 
in his address to imperfect believers, seeking 
Christian perfection, was made a great blessing 
to me. This, with Mr. Wesley's Plain Account, 
answered every objection, every doubt : and I 
earnestly recommend them to your serious pe- 
rusal. These will lead you to see we are sanc- 
tified, as well as justified, hj faith alone, and not 
for our merits, fitness, cr deservings ; but faith 
lays hold of the blood of Christ, as the procuring 
cause of our holiness, and which alone cleanseth 
from all sin. This blood is all-sufficient : — as 
prevailing now as ever it will be. What then 
does the believer (hungering and thirsting after 
righteousness, or inward purity) wait for ? The 
promise is, They shall be filled. Why delay ; 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 229 

We may come just as we are ; and if so, we 
may come this moment. It is said, Acts xxvi, 
18, " We are sanctified by faith in Jesus :" and 
the work in that verse is plainly distinguished 
from justification, or the forgiveness of sins, both 
being there clearly promised. If then it be by 
faith alone, it must be also instantaneous, in the 
same manner as our pardon was. Did we not 
receive the one in a moment, by, and in the act 
of believing ? And why should we stumble at 
coming the same way for the other ? "By grace 
are ye saved through faith," in all the different 
degrees of that salvation which we can receive 
in the body. If by grace, then it is no more of 
works, and if not by works, we need wait for 
none : — we may come just as we are, yea, just 
now. 

May the Lord, while you read these lines, 
open the windows of heaven, and fill your spirit 
with his pure love. Do you thirst? Behold 
rivers of living waters gushing out of your Re- 
deemer's wounds, — water that will wash your 
inbred sin away. Is not the Holy Ghost wait- 
ing to apply the efficacious blood, and make you 
white as snow? — Hovers he not over you? — 
knocks he not even now at the door of your 
heart ? O let your inmost spirit cry, 

" Come in, come in, thou heavenly guest, 
Nor ever hence remove ; 
But sup with me, and let the feast 
Be everlasting love." 

Ameri, Lord Jesus, answer the prayer of thy 
child. Be it unto her as her soul desireth ; fill 



230 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

her heart, and fill it now. I feel for the trials 
of your present situation, but the sweet love of 
Jesus shall bear you above all. Take no thought 
for the morrow, but momentarily live to God, 
and for God, and nothing will be able to harm 
you. I am, my dear friend, yours in the best 
of bonds, H. A. Roe. 



Letter XVIII. — To Mr. Robert Roe, upon the 
nature of faith, and in what sense it is the act 
of man. 

Macclesfield, Aug. 12, 1779. 
Dear Cousin, — I can still see all your doubts 
and scruples in no other light than as tempta- 
tions and suggestions from an enemy, who is, 
and ever will be, watching and endeavouring to 
break your peace. And though I believe you 
will be brought through them all to the haven 
of bliss, yet you permit him to rob you of much 
comfort which you might enjoy ; and he would 
rather employ you in answering his lying sug- 
gestions, than that you should be momentarily 
looking up to, and depending on Jesus for all 
you want. For my own part, if it were not to 
answer your queries, I should never enter into 
the nice distinctions you do. I have much more 
to learn myself, and am convinced many would 
solve your scruples much better than I can. 
Indeed, to speak properly, no one can do it : — 
it is the work of God. Yet, I am ready to im- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 231 

part what himself hath freely given. But, I 
beseech you to read my letters with prayer, and 
beg of God that he will attend every observation 
with the light and blessing of his Spirit. 

You say, " The work of justification is greatly 
obscured by many, and you do not exclude me ; 
— that I tell you, sometimes it is by faith, some- 
times by works." So do St. Paul and St. James, 
yet they are strictly consistent with themselves 
and each other. But I sometimes think you 
understand by works a meritorious condition ; I 
never mean any such thing. When I speak of 
the works God requires in a seeker or believer, 
I only mean a co-operation with, or using the 
grace given to us. I believe God the Father 
loved all mankind in their sins, freely and un- 
conditionally, or he had never given his only- 
begotten Son. And it was an unconditional 
promise, " The seed of the woman shall bruise 
the serpent's head." God the Son also loved 
us freely and unconditionally, when he left his 
Father's glory, and became man ; — lived, died, 
and rose again for us. I believe too, God the 
Holy Ghost, unconditionally (with respect to K any 
thing we can do) " enlightens every man that 
cometh into the world." But then, these things 
being done for us, by and through the free grace 
of the eternal Trinity, we are required to use 
the light given. 

If the Spirit of God convinceth of sin, which 
is his work, we are required to forsake it ; and 
there is always power to do it communicated. 
This forsaking of sin is an act of man, and a 



232 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

condition; for, "put away the evil of your do- 
ings," saith God, " from among you, and cease 
to do evil:" yet this is not a meritorious work. 
Again : if the Spirit point the guilty, heavy- 
laden sinner to the Lamb of God, show the all- 
sufficiency of his atonement, and that the pro- 
mises are made to such lost sinners as he is, 
who are weary of the burden of sin, that he has 
a right to come, because all are invited ; and 
that " now is the accepted time" with God, " and 
now is the day of salvation ;" — that no price, no 
worthiness, is required ; but he may come with- 
out money, and be forgiven freely ;— when these 
things are revealed by God, which is his work, 
then it is that we are commanded to act faith. 
We are to believe the record true ; embrace it, 
rely upon it, and venture our guilty souls on the 
promises made through a bleeding Saviour. It 
is after this act of faith, not before it, God gives 
the witness of the Spirit. Do you understand 
me ? The witness, or the seal of the Spirit, is 
God's gift, not our act ; given to all who do act 
faith on Jesus, and the promise made through 
him. But it is not given till faith be acted. If 
we, as penitents, had no power thus to act faith, 
how would God be just in declaring, " He that 
believeth not shall be damned ?" 

With respect to works after justification, can 
any one retain his confidence in God without 
them ? Has he any foundation in the Scripture 
to do so ? God absolutely requires that we 
should do, do, do, (as you say,) and be, be, be : 
not in a meritorious sense, but as fruits of the 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 233 

law of love, written in our hearts, acceptable 
and well pleasing through Jesus Christ, and 
with every injunction he gives power to perform 
it. The power given is of grace, and the use 
of that power is the act of man. Again : When 
the Lord, by his Spirit, reveals our inbred sin, 
and points us to the all-cleansing blood, and to 
the promises to circumcise our heart, &c, it is 
his work wrought in us freely. But, when this 
light is given, we are to embrace the promises, 
and act faith upon them. God hath said, " I 
will do it." Let me ask, Do you believe he will 
do it in you ? Hold fast that faith, then, for the 
promise is sure, it cannot fail : and God's time 
is now. Only believe. God at this moment 
requires an act of faith in you. He holds out 
the promise, and bids you believe. But you will 
say, I do not feel the blessing. Poor Thomas ! — 
Because thou hast not seen, thou wilt not believe. 
" Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet 
have believed !" But you ask, " What must I 
believe ?" I answer, That God is faithful — that 
he can and will, in a moment, give you what 
now you do not feel : nay, you will not feel it 
till after you have believed. If I had given you 
an apple, it would not be faith to believe I had 
given it : but, if I had promised to give you one, 
and to give it you instantly on your requesting 
it ; if you then believed my promise, and took 
me at my word, though you did not see or handle 
the apple, this would be your act of faith in me 
But how much more immutable the promise of 
a God ! You cannot believe him in vain. Even 



234 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

suppose (which is seldom the case) you thus act 
faith a day or two, or longer, before you receive 
the witness, shall you be the worse for it ? Nay, 
but far better for having believed : this faith will 
bring power into your soul, and you will sensibly 
feel what you never felt before ; and soon you 
will prove the Spirit's inward testimony, that it 
is done unto you according to your faith. But 
you will say, " How is the work instantaneous, 
if I must wait a day or too ?" I answer, The 
work is done the moment you believe ; though 
the witness of the Spirit (which is not your faith, 
but the gift of God) be not fully given till after- 
ward. " He that believeth" (the promise saith) 
" shall be saved" — from guilt, from inbred sin, 
and into glory. 

It appears to me you labour under another 
mistake. You expect, in being saved from sin, 
to be also delivered from temptation, short-com- 
ings, weaknesses, and infirmities ; but these are 
inseparable from humanity. We shall never 
have a perfect body till the resurrection : of con- 
sequence, shall be liable to a thousand infirmi- 
ties. We shall never have perfect knowledge 
in this life ; and shall therefore ever be liable to 
errors in judgment, &c. The perfect law of 
Adam would condemn these things : but we are 
under the covenant of grace ; or, in other words, 
under the law of love to Christ ; whose blood 
every moment pleads for these things. May 
the God of peace and lcve teach and guide 
you into his perfect will, prays your affection- 
ate cousin, H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 235 



Letter XIX. — To the Rev. J. Wesley. 

Macclesfield, Oct. 15, 1779. 
Rev. Sir, — Since I received your last, I 
have had a return of the pain in my side, an 
oppression of my lungs, and sometimes (which 
I never had before) such a yellowness of skin, 
that I apprehended my disorder would turn to 
the jaundice. After eating and drinking, I was 
thrown into violent heats, and afterward into 
cold, fainting sweats. Then I was either in 
great pain at my stomach, or else so sleepy, 
that I could not keep my eyes open for a con- 
siderable time. But, blessed be God ! I found 
it a sweet affliction ; for never did I find Christ 
so precious ; my evidence so clear ; my will so 
unreservedly swallowed up in his, nor the in- 
tercourse so truly opened between him and my 
believing soul. Hence I loved, and praised 
him for every pain ; and, had it been his adora- 
ble will to have called me hence, how gladly 
should I have obeyed the joyful summons, and 
hasted to the presence of my beloved, my 
friend, my all ! But seeing he still spares me 
a little longer, I embrace his will, and bless the 
merciful hand which brought me down, and 
hath raised me up again. I see an open field, 
a boundless prospect of new delights lies open 
before me. I see and feel that God hath en- 
gaged all his attributes in my behalf; and in 
his strength I fear no cross, no shame, no ene- 
mies ; for my Leader, my Captain, my King, 



236 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

is the Lord of hosts. His glory is my only 
aim, and my only happiness. precious 
thought ! bliss, not imaginary, but real ; not 
fading, but everlasting ; not decreasing, but 
ever growing! O vast abyss of unfathomable 
love ! And as this is my portion, so, dear sir, 
it is yours also. We experience it now, and 
shall for ever know it. On these accounts, how 
easy is the sight of faith ! how delightful the 
labours of love ! and how welcome the cross we 
bear for Him, who is our life, our strength, and 
our salvation ! 

Dear Mr. S. is still unable to go into his cir- 
cuit, and I fear he will never be much better. 
Cold bathing seems to do him most good ; but 
he is very ill, especially in the mornings. His 
grief at not being able to travel is, I believe, a 
great hinderance to his recovery. My soul feels 
great nearness to him ; for I believe he is, in a 
peculiar sense, beloved of God, and a faithful 
steward of his grace. 

I hope, sir, you will remember him at the 
throne of grace, and that God may either re- 
store him to his former usefulness, or else help 
him to be perfectly resigned to his adorable 
will ; for you know, dear sir, that to have a soul 
all on fire for doing good, kept back and hin- 
dered by sickness, weakness, or other bodily 
infirmity, must be a great temptation to the 
contrary. But as there are none so weak as 
myself, and, of consequence, who stand more in 
need of divine assistance, I hope you will not 
cease to mention me in your prayers. In so 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 237 

doing you will greatly oblige, Rev. sir, your 
very unworthy, but most affectionate friend and 
servant, H. A. Roe. 



Letter XX. — To the Same. 

December 11, 1779. 
Rev. and Dear Sir, — I should not have 
been silent thus long, had not my dearest Lord 
seen good to afflict my body. I am just re- 
covering from a sore throat. It was not ulce- 
rated, but attended with a fever. Numbers in 
this town, or neighbourhood, have been ill, and 
several have died, four in one family within a 
month. I applied hartshorn to my throat, and 
found benefit from it. I am now, I bless God, 
much better. I have reason to praise him for 
every affliction ; for all he permits does work 
together for my good. I do love my Lord with 
all my heart. 

" All my capacious powers can wish, 
In him doth richly meet ; 
Nor to my eyes is light so dear, 
Or friendship half so sweet." 

No, no, all that the creation can boast of is poor 
and mean compared with him I love. In him 
I feel a constant heaven, and my soul truly sits 
loose to all besides. I have victory, through 
his grace, over all things, inward and outward, 
that are contrary to his will. I have at times 
various temptations ; but they find no place in 



238 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

me, nor at any time distress or bring me into 
bondage. I have (glory be to God) the inward 
testimony of his Spirit, that I please him, and 
that he dwelleth in me. My body and soul are 
both the Lord's ; and I earnestly desire that his 
whole will may be done in me and by me. I 
am a sacrifice offered up through Jesus, my 
adorable High Priest ; and am determined, 
through grace divine, ever to remain so. I am 
a pilgrim in a strange country, and all my trea- 
sure is above. 

I am travelling as fast as the wings of time 
will bear me forward to my celestial country ; 
though thorns, and snares, and gins, sometimes 
beset my path ; yet my feet are shod, my san- 
dals on, and I trample on them. Though the 
arrows of the archer are flying, I have a shield 
that turns aside the fiery darts. I have a sha- 
dow from the heat, and a refuge from the storm. 
I live upon the food of angels, and drink large- 
ly of the fountain of the water of life. His 
ways are ways of pleasantness, and all his 
paths are perfect peace. How great is the 
love wherewith he hath loved me ! how 
large his grace to the most unworthy ! " Bless 
the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me 
bless his holy name." I have heard from cousin 

J R , and his soul prospers ; blessed 

be God ! I hope, dear sir, you ever do, and ever 
will remember, at the throne of grace, your 
most unworthy, but truly affectionate child in a 
precious Jesus, H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 239 



Letter XXI. — To Mr. Robert Roe. 

Macclesfield, Jan. 14, 1780. 
My Dear Cousin, — I am willing to answer 
any question, or write in any manner that will 
give your soul satisfaction ; break any snare of 
the enemy, or, in any way whatsoever, glorify 
God : but I am often led to think you do not 
want information in your judgment respecting 
these things ; and therefore that your aim is to 
see how far I am, or am not, consistent with 
myself in my different letters. Were many 
people to peruse what I write to you, they 
would think it very presuming in me to argue 
points of doctrine, or experience with you, who 
are intended to be a teacher in Israel : yet, you 
so draw me in, that I dare not refuse. I rejoice 
to hear that your soul is more happy in God 
than when you wrote before. O live near to 
him, and press forward, and all is yours ! I 
would again repeat, trample upon all that is 
past, and come this moment to Jesus by faith 
alone, for present, instantaneous, perfect love. 



' Ready are you to receive ; 
Readier is your God to give." 



But I must hasten to consider your objec- 
tions. You ask, if I, " previous to justification, 
forsake all sin, and have power to keep myself 
from evil, by the grace I receive from the con- 
vincing Spirit of God — what need of his free 
justifying or sanctifying grace ? On the other 



240 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

hand, if I offend (say you) in one point, not 
being faithful to the grace of conviction, am I 
never afterward to be accepted, even by the 
gospel charter 1 How agrees this (you go on 
to ask) with trampling, as you often bid me, on 
my worthiness, and coming by faith alone ?" I 
would here put a few questions to you, and I 
beseech you answer them to the Lord. Can 
your forsaking all sin now, (though it be plea- 
sing to God, and what he requires and com- 
mands,) cancel your old sins, or obtain forgive- 
ness for what is past ? Have you no need, then, 
of the free justifying grace of God, to be re- 
ceived by faith alone ? On the other hand, if 
you resist the convincing Spirit. of God, and 
continue in sin, contrary to his strivings and 
drawings, will he continue his operations, and, 
in spite of you, work that faith in you which 
alone justifies the ungodly ? Yet consistent 
with these things, you may, through the power 
of temptation, and your evil, unregenerate . 
nature, have been overcome and given way, 
not being faithful to the grace of light and con- 
viction : and yet, you may still come, hating the 
sin you have committed, and burdened with 
your past unfaithfulness, trampling on your 
present worthiness or unworthiness, come just 
as you are — a poor prodigal, a condemned 
malefactor, to Jesus, and receive freely, by 
faith alone, the mercy and the pardon you no 
ways deserve. 

Again, you are now a believer, but feel the 
remains of a carnal nature. It is your happy 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 241 

privilege, through the Spirit, to mortify the deeds 
of the body, or the motions of the body of sin 
that still works in your members. This is 
pleasing unto God, and what he requires, as 
fruits of that faith, whereby he hath promised 
you shall be able to quench every fiery dart of 
the devil. But, supposing you do this without 
once being unfaithful to the grace of justifica- 
tion, (and, alas ! very few, if any, can truly 
plead they have been so,) will this cleanse your 
heart from the root of inbred sin ? Ah, no ! 
And have you no need then of the free sancti- 
fying grace of God, to be received by faith 
alone ? If, on the other hand, you are willingly, 
wilfully, or habitually unfaithful to grace given, 
are led captive, and overcome by your inbred 
sin, or outward temptations : if you resist the 
teachings of the Spirit of God, who would 
point you to the all-cleansing blood, and do not 
earnestly seek to go on to perfection, neither 
desire holiness, will he come forcibly, and take 
possession of your heart, and dwell there, whe- 
ther you will or no ? Yet, consistent with what 
I have urged, though you may be deeply con- 
scious you have not been strictly faithful to 
justifying grace ; nay, through surprise, or 
temptation, you have been vanquished, and 
foiled, and overcome by inward corruption ; 
yet, coming self-condemned and humbled in the 
dust to Jesus, will he refuse freely to forgive, 
yea, (and if you earnestly desire it, and come 
by faith alone to receive it,) to cleanse you from 
all unrighteousness ? 

16 



242 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

You ask, How am I to learn the difference 
between sin and temptation ? I own there is 
some difficulty here ; I mean, in discerning be- 
tween the motions of inbred sin, while it yet 
remains, and the temptations of Satan. No- 
thing but the Spirit of God, by his inward 
teaching, can make it clear to you. But this 
we know, whether our temptations are from our 
evil hearts when unrenewed, or from the enemy. 
If our will stand firm for God, and oppose all 
that would rise, or is offered contrary to his 
will, he is so far from accounting us guilty of 
sin, that he approves, and will reward the vic- 
tory. But O ! rest not without inward purity, 
and when your heart is cleansed from all sin, 
you will see more fully the nature of temptation. 

Pray let us know if you are likely soon to 
get ordained : and if you are, whether you will 
accept the curacy now offered you. I hope 
you had a profitable time with Mr. Wesley. I 
had a precious season when he was here ; and 
I think I never saw him so full of the Spirit 
of his Master, — so full of God. May the Lord 
fill your earthen vessel with all, his fulness, and 
keep you till redemption's day prays your affec- 
tionate cousin and friend, 

H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 243 



Letter XXII. — To Miss Loxdale. 

Macclesfield, May 20, 1780. 

My very Dear Friend, — How agreeable 
was the reception of your affectionate letter ! 
but I am very sorry to find your health is so 
indifferent. My dear friend, let me advise you 
to take all the care you can of your body, for it 
is not your own, but the Lord's. And I am fully 
convinced we have no right to trifle with the 
precious talent of health, which is given us to 
improve to the glory of our God. 

I every day experience fresh calls, and fresh 
motives to praise and love our adorable Lord. 
Nor is my grateful heart less moved at the gra- 
cious tenderness of his dealings with my dear 
sister. O my love, can you ever now distrust 
him for any thing 1 Surely such love hath de- 
stroyed unbelief for ever : — surely you can now 
put no limits to his power and faithfulness ; his 
grace — his willingness to save. O praise him, 
and trust him for ever ! 

"Look for his perfect love, 

Look for his dear people's rest ; 
Hope to sit down with him above, 
And share the marriage feast." 

Yes ; there I trust we shall meet and rejoice 
together ! — there we shall sing, without weari- 
ness of body or soul, the wonders of his grace, 
and tell to all the listening heavenly throng, how 
rich, redeeming love, hath saved and ransomed, 
kept and preserved, delivered and strengthened, 



244 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

and at last brought us safe where the wicked 
cease from troubling, — where the weary are at 
rest. 

I rejoice that you are still pressing on to the 
attainment of that holiness to which God calls 
you. Only come by simple faith, and you shall 
soon experience that sweet rest, 

" From self and sin set free." 

I look upon this blessing as consisting, not so 
much in overwhelming joy, as humbling love : 
though joy, as an effect, will surely follow. 
With me it was thus : I sunk into my own no- 
thingness, and was humbled in the dust. Emptied 
of self, and self-dependance, I submitted to be 
saved by grace. My depth of weakness was 
laid open to my view, but I cast myself on Jesus 
as my strength : emptied of all, I plunged, by a 
simple act of faith, into his fulness of love, and 
found him all my salvation, and all my desire. 
When Satan suggested, Thou wilt soon lose 
what thou hast attained ; I told him, Let my 
Lord see to that : " He that keepeth Israel nei- 
ther slumbereth nor sleepeth." Jesus is mine, 
with all his strength and fulness ; and his grace 
is sufficient. I think, my dear friend, if you 
expect thus to be laid at the Saviour's feet, in 
humblest love and self-abasement, temptation 
that the blessing is something greater than you 
will be able to bear, will vanish ; or, at least, 
lose all its force : and, being thus humbled, thus 
united to Jesus, hang momentarily depending on 
him, and fear not but he will be your keeper. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 245 

Faith is the bond of union, and in your union 
with him lies all your strength. He will water 
you every moment : yea, he will dwell in you as 
a well of water springing up into everlasting 
life. He is himself all you want : he is holi- 
ness ; — he is heaven ; — and he is yours ! My 
soul longs for you. 

11 O may you gain perfection's height, 
And into nothing fall ! 
Be less than nothing in your sight, 
And Christ be all in all." 

You will, you surely will ! Nay, I have no 
doubt but you will soon prove this ; for the Lord 
enlarges my heart in your behalf; and I trust 
your next will convey the happy tidings. 

The Lord is peculiarly gracious to your un- 
worthy friend, and condescends to bless my 
small labours for him. In visiting the sick, I 
find a great increase of love to God, and the 
souls for whom Jesus died. At some places, the 
neighbours coming in, the power of the Lord 
has been very present ; and some of them, who 
before were asleep in sin, are crying out, " What 
must we do to be saved ?" and so many fresh 
ones are sending to me daily, and begging I will 
call upon them, that it seems as if my employ- 
ment would soon be too great for my bodily 
strength ; but if he calls me to the work, he will 
give strength for it. My one desire is to spend 
and be spent for him. Our present maid has a 
deep concern upon her mind, and, I trust, will 
not rest short of pardon. She who has left us 
retains her peace, and walks uprightly. I can- 



246 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

not tell you the grateful feelings of my heart on 
this account. I thank you for your kind inten- 
tion in the affair you mention : hope my God 
will reward every token of your undeserved love 
to your very unworthy, but sincere friend in him 
we love, H. A. Roe. 



Letter XXIII. — To the Same. 

Macclesfield, Nov. 2, 1780. 
My Dear Friend, — I rejoice to find by the 
contents of your last, that you are pressing on 
to the attainment of that fulness which God calls 
you to enjoy : and I trust you will soon expe- 
rience that blessed rest- — from self and sin set 
free. The suggestion, that .this blessing will be 
more than you can bear, is apparently from an 
enemy : — Ah no ! but it will enable you to bear 
all things. If you expect to be overwhelmed 
with exceeding great joy when you receive this, 
I think you are not expecting it in the way it is 
generally given. I look upon joy as an effect, 
or a fruit, and not the blessing itself. With me 
it was thus : I was humbled and emptied of self, 
and Jesus became my all in all ! I felt myself 
all weakness, (yea, as I never did before,) and 
he was all my strength : — / all ignorance, he my 
wisdom : — / all nothingness, he all fulness : — / 
all helplessness, he omnipotence. I flew from 
myself, and escaped to Jesus : he received me 
graciously, freely, without money, without price, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 247 

without worthiness, or faithfulness, and became 
all my salvation, and all my desire : humbled in 
lowest abasement at his boundless condescen- 
sion, and filled with love, I felt that God was all 
and in all to me. 

If the enemy were to suggest, Though you 
were to feel this, you could not retain it: re 
member, you receive the blessing that it may 
keep you. O bring your polluted heart then, 
just as it is ; and He will take full possession f 
O come by simple faith ! 

" Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, 
And looks to that alone ; 
Laughs at impossibilities, 
And cries, * It shall be done.' " 

My state of health is better than it has been 
for some years ; but, glory be to God, not half 
so well as my better part ! O no ! — so plentiful, 
so rich, is my Redeemer's love, that thought can- 
not fathom it : it seems but now beginning an 
eternity of bliss ! O how sweet the service of 
such a Master, such a God ! — how reasonable, 
how delightful all his paths ! what solid, present 
peace ! — what antepasts of heavenly joys, when 
we walk in communion with him ! If we have 
any sorrow, any abiding doubts or fears, surely 
it is because we know not, as fully as we may 
know, the nature of a God of love. When we 
suffer him to reveal to us what he is, the lovely 
discovery transforms us into his image, and dis- 
pels every thought but love. Beholding him, 
we are changed into the same image, from glory 
to glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord. 



248 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

My thirsty soul earnestly longs to know him 
more : but his love is unfathomable : — yet every 
day brings me fresh discoveries : — and I be- 
lieve what we are capable of receiving, he will 
reveal to all who love him. Open then your 
heart : — permit him, and he will give you such 
views of his beauty, as you never had before : — 
such views as will dissolve your heart in hum- 
ble love, and fill your eyes with joyful tears. 
You wil] see and own, 

" His every act pure blessing is ; 
His path unsullied light." 

May what I now feel be communicated to your 
spirit, and God be your eternal portion, prays 
your affectionate sister and friend, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter XXIV. — To the Rev. J. Wesley. 

January 6, 1782 

My very Dear and Honoured Sir, — I have 
still good news to tell you. Glory be to God, 
he is working graciously among us. Cousin 
Robert has been the instrument of four persons 
believing, and receiving sanctification since I 
wrote last. One of them is a class-leader, and 
in all who now profess this salvation, the change 
is very evident : they walk and follow after God 
as dear children, who truly love him with all 
their hearts. On the watch-night, a young wo- 
man who experienced this salvation some years 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 249 

ago, but had lost it, received it again, as Mr. L. 
was saying, " Come by faith alone, if you have 
no worthiness, no fitness ; believe only, and love 
shall make all things new. Delay not a mo- 
ment : come now, and God will now destroy 
your inbred sin," &c. 

Mr. L.'s word is made a blessing to very 
many. Several backsliders are restored ; many 
convinced of sin, some converted, and a number 
longing to love God with an undivided heart 
O ! how I love thus to see the prosperity of Zion ' 
I feel indeed a sweet assurance, through grace, 
that if all around me were careless and luke- 
warm, my soul would cleave to its only centre, 
with all its powers and affections ; but how much 
more does it animate and enliven my spirit ; how 
increase my joy ; yea, how does it strengthen 
my hands, to see my dear brethren rejoicing 
and glorying in the same precious salvation, and 
living as it becomes the redeemed of the Lord ! 
There are persons, besides those I have men- 
tioned, who can say, they feel nothing contrary 
to love, and are kept in perfect peace ; but dare 
not yet profess that they are cleansed from all 
sin. I now meet two bands, and, blessed be God, 
we do not meet in vain. My soul dwells truly 
in a present heaven : the eternal Trinity is my 
God and my all. Every power and faculty is 
swallowed up in him. 

" T nothing want beneath, above, 
Happy in his perfect love." 

I was surprised to hear that you had been at 
Chester and Wrexham : but, I trust, if you did 



250 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

not come to preach a funeral sermon for a friend, 
you came to shake Satan's kingdom. 

We had a precious love-feast. Some people 
tell me I always have precious times, and there- 
fore judge others have so too ; but I believe most 
that were present are agreed in this, that we 
have had no love-feast like the last for many 
years. The select band is very lively. I have 
just been there, since I began my letter, and find 
another soul has received the witness of sanc- 
tiflcation under Mr. L. this morning. I know 
you will join me to praise a God of love. Glory 
be to his holy name. 

" Our days of praise shall ne'er be past, 
While life, and thought, and being last, 
Or immortality endures." 

In a day or two after I wrote to you, the pain 
in my face and head was suddenly removed in 
answer to prayer, and I have hardly felt it since. 
Till then I had no liberty to pray for its removal ; 
but, hearing that my bands never met, during my 
sickness, and that several neglected to meet in 
the select band, whom I persuaded to go before, 
I said, " Lord, if thy unworthiest servant can be 
a blessing to their precious souls, remove this 
affliction," it is enough ; " and I will praise thee." 
And the prayer was heard. In ten thousand 
instances I thus prove him a God that heareth 
and answereth prayer. I am filled with his 
goodness ; I know not where to begin that praise 
that never shall end. I remain, dear and ever 
honoured sir, your unworthiest child in bonds 
of divine love, H. A. Roe. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 251 



Letter XXV. — To the Same. 

April 7, 1782. 

Rev. and Dear Sir, — Glory be to him, to 
whom all glory is ever due. He fills my happy 
soul with humble joy unknown. I dwell in his 
sacred presence ; he dwells in my worthless 
heart, and all wrapped up in him I am. 

Your last sermon on the Monday morning 
was made a peculiar blessing to very many pre- 
cious souls, who say, they are sure God directed 
you to speak just as you did. Some others in- 
deed say, you preached a new doctrine, which 
they never heard before, except from cousin 
Robert Roe, respecting a present salvation ; for 
they cannot believe that persons can be justified 
or sanctified, unless they have undergone a long 
preparation, &c. Nay, they have even affirmed 
that he or myself desired you to preach that ser- 
mon, and to mention the person who was con- 
victed, justified, and sanctified in twelve hours. 

Why should we wonder at these things ? 
The remains of the carnal mind at one time in 
myself would have strongly opposed the sim- 
plicity of faith. But O ! how precious do I now 
prove the experience of those words, " I am 
crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live ; yet 
not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life that 
I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the 
Son of God, who hath loved me, and given 
himself for me." How mistaken are those who 
say, to speak much of living by faith, or of 



252 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

coming to be justified or sanctified by faith 
alone, is setting aside good works'? For, can 
there be a gospel faith which does not work by 
love 1 And does not love work all holy obe- 
dience ? Excuse me, dear sir, I have been led 
to say more on this subject than I intended ; my 
soul being peculiarly blessed since I began to 
write. Indeed, I often find it so when I write 
to you. He makes you in various ways an in- 
strument of much good to my soul. How un- 
worthy am I of his innumerable mercies ! Praise 
the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me 
praise his holy name. 

A dear young woman, who received sanctifi- 
cation about three months ago, (who has been 
a follower of God for six years, and found his 
pardoning love at the age of fourteen,) is now 
to all appearance on the borders of eternity ; 
and no pen can describe the holy triumph of 
her soul. It is a blessing to be near her. On 
Tuesday last, as I was repeating and enforcing 
some of the passages in your last sermon, and 
a few parallel promises, another young woman, 
who had been seeking the blessing two years 
by works, was by faith brought into full liberty, 
and still retains the clear witness that she is 

cleansed from all sin. And while Mr. S 

offered a present salvation, a young woman was 

justified. J S writes word he has 

reason to praise God for his journey to Mac- 
clesfield, and is determined to preach an in- 
stantaneous present salvation from all sin. I 
trust your going to Chester will strengthen his 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 253 

hands. I cannot tell you how much I am 
filled with a spirit of prayer for you, and a 
sweet assurance that God is about to use you 
as a more peculiar instrument of good than he 
has ever done. I look for an abundant out- 
pouring of the Spirit. Whenever I hear of 
souls being blessed, those words are applied, 
" Ye shall see greater things than these." May 
the fulness of the Triune God ever fill your 
happy soul ! and may you still help me to love 
him more, prays your most unworthy, but ever 
affectionate, H. A. Roe. 



Letter XXVI. — To the Same. 

June 13, 1782. 
Rev. and Dear Sir, — I have been very ill, 
and my body brought very low since I saw you ; 
but those sweet words continually applied, 
caused me to rejoice with joy unspeakable and 
full of glory, viz., " According to my earnest 
expectation, and my hope, that in nothing I 
shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as 
always, so now also Christ shall be magnified 
in my body, whether it be by life or by death ; 
for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." O 
my dear sir, I never dwelt so much in God as 
I have of late. My whole soul has been 
swallowed up in communion with the eternal 
Trinity ; and peculiarly within this last fortnight, 
with the Holy Spirit. I have been led to pray 



254 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

in faith for a universal and pentecostal outpour 
ing of His divine fulness ; and- it surely will 
descend. 

Being lately on a visit to Nantwich, the dear 
people there, who knew me formerly, flocked 
around me with eagerness, and I held a prayer 
meeting with twelve or fourteen of them, for 
which I believe we shall praise God through 
eternity. A poor backslider was restored, and 
all present were filled with humble love and 
joy. I left five or six earnestly crying for a 
clean heart, and determined to meet among 
themselves, for all the classes were broken up, 
or torn by divisions. When I came to Con- 
gleton, on my return home, I found a young 
man, who lately withstood cousin Robert Roe 
to his face, respecting sanctification by faith, 
now rejoicing in it, and declaring it boldly to 
all around. I spoke with several who felt the 
need of holiness, and two of them are able to 
testify "the blood of Jesus cleanseth them 
from sin." 

In this place, those who enjoy Christian 
perfection have had much opposition from some 
of their brethren. Four or five met constantly 
together to revile cousin Robert and all who 
profess it. But one of them now has been 
truly humbled before God, and received it him- 
self in the very way he so much reviled, even 
by simple faith. And another of them says in 
his class, and publicly to all, that, if he had 
continued to revile them, he believes he should 
have been damned for it ; but he is now deter- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 255 

mined never to rest till he receives it himself. 
Since you were with us, six or seven have been 
justified, and four or five sanctified. Cousin 
Robert preached at Keethlesum, about eight 
miles off, where one was justified, and another 
sanctified. At Burslem he found many thirst- 
ing for holiness, some enjoying it, and others 
stirred up to seek it. 

The children who professed sanctification 
when you were here, stand steadfast and unre- 
provable ; though they have much opposition 
from those who do not believe the doctrine. 
Indeed I believe it is a means of good to them, 
constraining them to walk and cleave so much 
the nearer to God, that he may give them wis- 
dom and strength. For my own part, I find 
every trial or affliction has this blessed ten- 
dency. Still pray for me, dear sir, and believe 
me ever your affectionate, though unworthy 
child, H. A. Roe. 



Letter XXVII. — To the Same. 

July 7, 1782. 
My Dear and Honoured Sir, — Since my 
last I have been very ill, and thought I was on 
the borders of my heavenly country. O with 
what joy did I feel this feeble body fail ! How 
did my soul exult in the glorious prospect of 
eternity ! My every faculty expanded, and all 
my large desires eagerly gasped for immortal- 



256 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

ity ; for the full and immediate fruition of my 
God. When most afflicted with pain and vio- 
lent sickness, those words, my God, filled me 
with unutterable delight. O for a thousand 
tongues to praise him ! for a thousand lives 
to spend wholly for him ! Yes, ardently as I 
long to see him as he is, I could be willing, if 
so poor a worm could bring glory to his blessed 
name, to live a thousand years. Indeed, my 
dear sir, I love him with a love that cannot be 
expressed, and yet I long to love him more. 

" Plunged in the Godhead's deepest sea, 
And lost in his immensity." 

I see more and more lately into the extent 
of that promise, " What things soever ye desire 
when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, 
and ye shall have them." I have proved it in 
a thousand instances, and never knew it to fail 
in one. " If ye ask any thing in my name," 
says Jesus, " I will do it." What an open field 
then lies before us ! Blessed be God, the work 
still goes forward ; though all who profess holi- 
ness are strongly opposed, and their names cast 
out as evil. But we are enabled by grace to 
bear all things, and endure all things in a spirit 
of love. Cousin Robert, on entering his new 
house, had a meeting there, and it was a time 
much to be remembered. One received sancti- 
fication, and many were greatly established. 

I have thoughts, if the Lord open a way, of 
going into Yorkshire. I leave myself in the 
Lord's hands, as I desire to spend and be spent 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 257 

for him alone. May he fill you with all his ful- 
ness ; and in a particular manner, when you 
meet in conference, may the unction from above 
fill your heart and the heart of every one ! May 
all go forth with strength renewed ; and a 
plenitude of the Spirit be poured out on all 
flesh ! I am now and ever, dear sir, your un- 
worthy, but affectionate child, 

H. A. Roe. 



Letter XXVIII. — To the Rev. Mr. Fletcher. 

Dublin, Dec. 14, 1784. 
Rev. and Dear Sir, — I believe it will not 
be unacceptable to you to be informed how a 
God of love is blessing his dear people in this 
city. You have a peculiar right to expect this, 
because you were made, through mercy, the 
instrument of kindling a gracious flame in many 
hearts ; and of preparing others to receive the 
message of salvation ; a present salvation ; even 
from all sin. Had not you and your dear part- 
ner been here before us, it is probable we should 
not have been received as we now are. But 
the sound of your Master's feet was behind you, 
and a gracious savour was left upon the minds 
of the people in general ; so that when we 
came, we found them eager to embrace the 
whole gospel. I had the clearest assurance, 
before we left England, that our appointment 
for Dublin was of the Lord, and every day 
brings me fresh proofs of it. It was also a kind 
17 



258 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Providence which brought us here on the very- 
day that precious woman, Mrs. King, (now Mrs. 
Johnson,) was married ; and in consequence of 
which, went to reside at Lisburn. Had we 
arrived before the society suffered so great a 
loss, my poor services might not have been so 
acceptable ; and had it been later, the minds of 
the people might have been grieved to excess. 
But the novelty of strangers first engaged their 
attention, and the word of the Lord then soon 
became a sin-killing and soul-saving word: 
so that now every one's cares and fears ter- 
minate in a determination to secure his own 
salvation. 

Another great blessing is, Mr. Rogers and 
Mr. Blair (his fellow-labourer) are united as the 
heart of one man : Mrs. Blair, also, is a sister 
indeed to me in spirit and real affection ; so 
that we are a family of love ; and one small 
house serves us all. And not the preachers 
only, but the stewards, leaders, and people, all 
unite, and have only one strife— how they may 
best promote each other's happiness, and the 
cause of God. And glory, glory, glory, be ever 
ascribed to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, it is 
promoted ! Sinners are snatched by grace as 
brands from the burning, and the kingdom of 
God and his Christ is set up in many believing 
hearts.- — 

" Lo, the promise of a shower 
Drops already from above ; 
But the Lord shall shortly pour 
All the Spirit of his love." 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 259 

In six weeks from the time of our first arrival, 
many were awakened, and nine received a clear 
sense of pardon : these returned public thanks, 
which greatly encouraged the seekers, and 
raised the expectation of all. As it was mani- 
festly a time of refreshing from the presence of 
the Lord, it was thought expedient at our love- 
feast, October 10, to give notes of admission, on 
that occasion, to many who were not as yet 
members of society, but appeared desirous of 
salvation ; so that near seven hundred souls 
were present : and a feast of love it was, such 
as I believe many will praise God for to all 
eternity ! After several, who spoke with great 
freedom and simplicity, a poor penitent besought 
us with tears to pray for her. The kindlings 
of love which had been felt before, now became 
a flame in every believing soul ; and when fallen 
on our knees, the power of God descended of a 
truth : every corner of the house was filled with 
cries of " God be merciful to me a sinner," or 
" Praise the Lord, O my soul, who hath forgiven 
all mine iniquities !" Not one remained unaf- 
fected ; and we have since found that seven were 
justified at that time ; among whom was one 
that received a note of admittance in the morn- 
ing ; and several who came only with a faint 
desire, were deeply convinced of sin. The next 
night another was justified under the word, and 
a second under the prayer, and a backslider 
healed ; and soon after, while Mr. R ex- 
plained and enforced, " Blessed are the poor in 
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven ;" dear 



260 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

sister R >, whom I am persuaded you well 

remember ; (for you took great pains to encour- 
age and help her forward ;) even this poor 
nervous, afflicted woman, who has been a seeker 
twenty-one years, laid hold of the promise by 
faith, and received the " knowledge of salvation 
by the remission of sins ;" and notwithstanding 
she is often greatly oppressed by her bodily dis- 
order, she is still enabled to claim her interest 
in redeeming blood^ A poor vile young man, 
who had indulged himself in all kinds of sin 
with greediness, and, according to his own ex- 
pression, " believed no God more supreme than 
himself," strayed into the chapel just as Mr. 
Rogers gave out the text, " Believe on the Lord 
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved :" he was 
that hour cut to the heart, and is now earnestly 
seeking salvation, and has received much com- 
fort. Under the same sermon one was justified, 
and another backslider healed. 

Since this, a man and his wife came to preach- 
ing together, who had been seekers seven years, 
and their states nearly alike : they did not sit 
near each other ; but were both set at liberty 
under the same sentence, and in the same in- 
stant. They both ran to catch hold of Mr. 

R as he came from the pulpit, and there 

met each other, and rejoiced together with ex- 
ceeding great joy. The man said, he knew his 
wife was blest before they thus met, as well as he 
knew that himself was. Another person, who 
had been a backslider ten years, first into Anti- 
nomian principles, and then into gross open sin, 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 261 

fell lately into deep despair, and many times 
attempted to put an end to his life, but was often 
prevented by an almost miraculous providence. 
Friday, Nov. 12, was the last time, when he had 
placed a loaded pistol to his breast, and intended 
to discharge it the next moment : but these words 
came with power, " Why will ye die ?" He in- 
stantly fell on his knees, and dropped the pistol. 
He came afterward to the preachers, who endea- 
voured to encourage him : and on the Tuesday 
following he was at our prayer meeting, where 
an agonizing spirit of prayer was given : he ob- 
tained then a comfortable hope of mercy, and at 
night, under Mr. Blair's preaching, was set at 
liberty. This he told me the next morning, with 
streaming eyes, and gratitude unspeakable. 

Nov. 18. We had another love-feast at Gravel- 
walk : it was a more wonderful season than even 
the former. We know of nine that we have 
reason to believe were justified; and many 
lukewarm professors were greatly stirred up. 
Two of these found peace in the blood of Jesus 
the week after ; another on Sunday night last, 
who was a Papist ; and another last night. A 
Jew is also convinced and converted ; and from 
being, according to his sect, a Pharisee, is now 
zealous in his love to Jesus, though at the ha- 
zard of his life, for his own mother and other 
relations have attempted to murder him at dif- 
ferent times. 

One of sister Johnson's classes, and another, 
since formed, are committed to my care. In the 
first of these are now thirty-eight members, in 



262 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

the latter thirty-six ; and within the last quarter, 
ten of these have received a sense of pardon, 
and four others are enabled to love God with all 
their hearts. I have likewise undertook a class 
of young girls, from about nine to fourteen years 
of age. In a few weeks many of them began 
to feel awakenings, and a few were deeply con- 
vinced of sin. A month ago, one of these, ten 
years of age, received a clear sense of pardon : 
she told her companion of the same age, who 
prayed and wept, and would not be comforted, 
till she obtained the same blessing, which was 
in a few days. When the rest heard this, they 
were greatly stirred up, and the following sab- 
bath two more were as clearly justified, one of 
eleven, the other thirteen years of age. There 
is a great and visible change in all these, and 
they speak clearly and experimentally. Seven 
more are under conviction, and I doubt not will 
soon be brought into liberty. In all, we have 
certain accounts, since we came, of forty-six 
justified, eight sanctified, and one hundred added 
to the society. 

As to myself, I never was so truly happy in 
every sense : happy in increasing union and 
communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, and 
sunk into depths of humble love. I feel my un- 
worthiness and nothingness indescribable ; yet, 
stupendous grace ! all the communicable fulness 
of a triune God is mine. I feel the equal love 
of the undivided Deity. As I worship the Fa- 
ther, so I worship the Son and the Holy Ghost — 
my God — my all in all. I am happy too, in one 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 263 

who is truly a help to me both for soul and body 
for time and eternity, and who greatly encour- 
ages me in all my labours : happy in my situa- 
tion, among a lively, affectionate people, who 
make it their study how to manifest their love ; 
nor have we one jarring string among us. O 
may we ever be kept humble at the Saviour's 
feet, and all our blessings (as through grace they 
do) prove only a scale to heavenly love. Please 
to remember us, in the most affectionate manner 
to dear Mrs. Fletcher. We entreat an interest 
in both your prayers. When I last asked this 
favour at Leeds, I believe you granted it, and 
that your petitions were answered. Once more, 
then, pray for us, and believe me, dear sir, in 
gospel love, your willing servant, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXIX. — To Mr. Matthias Joyce. 

Dublin, May 1, 1785. 
Dear Brother, — My soul greatly rejoices in 
your joy. I do join with you in that song which 
shall never end, " Unto him that hath loved us, 
and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 
be glory for ever and ever." O how precious 
is that life of simple faith you describe and pos- 
sess ! Go on, favoured servant of the Lord, and 
he will show you greater things than these. I 
do not mean there is any thing greater or higher 
than love : but in this ocean, what heights, what 



264 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

engths, what depths ! what immeasurable de- 
grees, even in that communion with a triune 
God, which it is our privilege to prove. I know 
you feel something of what I mean, even of equal 
love of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This we 
cannot properly feel till freed from inbred sin. 
Where sin remains, there cannot be that close 
union with the Father I now speak of : but sin 
destroyed, and we know the meaning of those 
words, "The Father himself loveth you:" and 
again, " I and my Father will come, and make 
our abode with you." Yea, the whole Deity 
flows in upon us. Consider that blessed scrip- 
ture, " Know ye not that your bodies are the 
temples of the Holy Ghost, which is in you ; 
and ye are not your own, for ye are bought with 
a price ?" By whom 1 By Jesus : therefore glo- 
rify God the Father ; even the triune God, — 
Father, Son, and Spirit, with your bodies and 
your spirits, which are his. 

" Drawn, and redeem'd, and seal'd, 
We '11 praise the One and Three, 
With Father, Son, and Spirit filPd 
To all eternity." 

I hope the Lord will carry on a gracious 
work in Drogheda. I am glad to hear you see 
so good a beginning. I never heard of so uni- 
versal a revival, as I am told by many is now 
spreading through England, Ireland, and Ameri- 
ca ; and yet I think it is but the beginning of what 
the Lord will shortly do. Let us not be weak 
in faith, and we shall see showers of blessings. 
The promise shall surely be accomplished ; and 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 265 

perhaps hastened speedily by the universal cry 
of God's dear children : " The earth shall be 
filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, 
as the waters cover the sea." 

I doubt not but you have had a precious sea- 
son with Mr. Wesley. I think I never saw him 
more truly filled with his blessed Master's Spirit. 
We have heard of two souls convinced of sin, 
and eight justified under him, while in Dublin ; 
and, blessed be God, two more, since he left us, 
can praise a reconciled God, and one is set at 
perfect liberty ; besides three more of the chil- 
dren, who have received remission of sins. I 
find, blessed be God, my own soul is as a watered 
garden ; and I have access to a spring, whose 
waters fail not, from which I ever drink fresh 
supplies. O what wells of salvation ! — what an 
unfathomable ocean of love ! 

A trifling affliction of body has, I think, sunk 
me deeper into God. Such heartfelt, solid peace, 
such inward nearness to, and fellowship with 
him, I have proved the last fortnight, as is better 
felt than described. It has been much of 

" That sacred awe which dares not move, 
And all the silent heaven of love." 

O for an enlarged heart ! O for ten thousand 
tongues to praise my God! As it is said, " In 
that day ye shall know that I am in the Father, 
you in me, and I in you:" so it is — the blessed 
day is come : I do know it : I do feel it. I know 
what it is to dwell in the Father, through the 
Son, and by the uniting power of the Holy 



266 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

Ghost, and ever worship an undivided Deity. 
These words have often been spoken to my heart, 
and I feel them now applied : " All that I have 
is thine :" yes, my Lord, and I possess a drop 
out of the ocean. If I had much more at pre- 
sent, it would lay me dead at thy feet : but all is 
mine in happy reversion, and what my weakness 
can bear, thou wilt impart. O make thyself 
room, and more of heaven bestow ! Thou wilt, 
thou dost enlarge my heart. I grasp the God I 
seek, the God I love, the God I shall enjoy to all 
eternity! O what a word is that! A triune 
God my own to all eternity ! Yes, yes, he is. 
Wonder, O heavens ! Be astonished, earth ! 
Be humble, O my soul ; and help me to praise 
him, all ye hosts above ! O that all the world 
knew the riches of divine love ! O that all be- 
lievers would give him all their heart ! 

My brother, let us covenant afresh with God, 
to spread the savour of his grace with all our 
most enlarged powers ; especially his full salva- 
tion, that rest from all sin, that rest of perfect 
love, received by simple faith, and by faith alone. 
I think I never read any thing wherein that 
blessing is more clearly described than Mr. 
Wesley's sermon in the March and April Maga- 
zines for this year, which I believe will do much 
good : for how many have been discouraged by 
not knowing and considering that one point, " Sin 
is a wilful transgression of a known law." If 
this were the constant rule by which we judged 
of what we feel, how many vain reasonings 
would be answered ; — how many subtle sug- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 267 

gestions of the enemy ? A mistake through 
ignorance, or through an imperfect memory, 
together with various hateful injections from an 
enemy : a dulness of spirit, occasioned by the 
body ; or a flutter of spirit, occasioned by sur- 
prise, &c. ; none of these, 1 say, or all of them 
put together, would then appear a sufficient rea- 
son why a soul should cast away its confidence 
respecting what the Lord has wrought. Seeing 
these are consistent with pure love, they are not 
wilful transgressions of a known law. 

May the Lord bless you in your soul and la- 
bours still more abundantly, prays, dear brother, 
your friend and sister in Jesus, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXX. — To the Rev. J. Wesley. 

November 21, 1782. 
My Dear and Honoured Sir, — I have been 
much indisposed since I wrote last, but I think it 
is not wholly my old disorders. I believe since 
my cousin's death my nerves have been much 
affected, because any thing sudden will occasion 
tremours, which I can no otherwise account for, 
at the same time that my soul is in perfect peace 
and solidly happy ; as also many times there is 
a dulness and stupidity, when at the same mo- 
ment I feel a direct witness that it proceeds not 
from any abatement of the ardours of love di- 
vine. Glory be to God, I feel this as a well of 
water ever springing up afresh, and I know the 



268 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

work of his grace takes still deeper root than 
ever in my worthless heart ; and though at times 
the enemy suggests, if this nervous disorder takes 
hold of me, as on my late dear cousin, I shall 
not rejoice evermore, as I have done hitherto ; 
yet I am enabled to answer him, in the power 
of faith, " My strength shall be equal to my day." 
If he afflicts, I have his word of promise, " My 
grace is sufficient for thee." Nor can I have 
one painful fear : I know in whom I trust. 

I was yesterday employed in visiting members 
of the classes with Mr. R. ; a business which 
has been much neglected here of late, and which, 
I trust, will be made a blessing to many. I find 
it profitable. Mr. R. has suffered much through 
the prejudices of some ; but he is as gold purified 
in the fire : it has been an unspeakable blessing. 
It has cut off his intimacy with those who would 
perhaps have proved snares and hinderances to 
his soul and his labours ; and united him more 
closely to the little flock, who are rich in faith, 
and heirs of the kingdom. I believe he has 
acted faithfully to God, to souls, and to you. 

The select band is now the most precious 
meeting m which I ever assembled. There are 
forty-eight members, all truly and happily walk- 
ing in the narrow path : thirty-five, I have no 
doubt, enjoy perfect love. About six have en- 
joyed it before, and are now seeking it afresh, 
and the rest, who never enjoyed it, are thirsting 
for it more than gold or silver. We are all, too, 
united in one spirit. All in this little company 
are helpers of each other's joy. 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 2G9 

I love Mrs. R. much : she is indeed one of the 
excellent ones of the earth. I feel much for you 
respecting the affair at Birstal : may the Lord 
strengthen your hands, and in doing so, defend 
his own cause. Your warfare shall surely yet 
be glorious, though it be through briers, or thorns, 
or scorpions. The Lord still reigneth, and will 
defend his dear servants. Surely he is purging 
his Zion, and will remove the chaff, and leave 
himself a pure and a peaceable remnant, whose 
motto snail be, " Holiness to the Lord." 

The openness of my disposition has sometimes 
brought me into inconveniences ; but with you I 
believe it will not, and therefore I speak freely. 
I am very unapt to suspect any person of guile, 
but experience tells me all are not to be trusted. 
I feel I need the continual unction of the Holy 
One to teach me. O pray that this may be ever 
given to your ever affectionate, unworthy child 
in a precious Jesus, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXXI. — To the Same. 

Cork, Jan. 24, 1788. 
My Dear and Honoured Sir, — Never had 
one, so every way undeserving, so much reason 
to praise a God of love. Day after day — nay, 
every hour I breathe, he loadeth me with his 
multiplied mercies ; yea, they are more in num- 
ber than the hairs of my head. If I did not love 



270 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

him with all my consecrated powers, and every 
moment offer up my little all ; if I were not re- 
solved to embrace every opportunity to spend 
and be spent in service so divine, I should of all 
mortals be the most inexcusable : for ! his love 
to me is boundless ; — I prove it an ocean with- 
out a bottom or a shore. The sweet communion 
I have with Father, Son, and Spirit, is unspeak- 
able ! and whatsoever I ask of God in faith, it is 
done. In God I live : in him I move : by him 
I act and speak ; and it is in him alone I enjoy 
all my mercies. 

Since I wrote last we have fresh cause for 
praise. The Lord is doing wonders among us 
here. It seems very likely, at present, we shall 
see as great a work here as at Dublin. At the 
visitation of the classes this Christmas, we found 
the society increased from three hundred and 
ninety-seven members (the number it contained 
last conference) to five hundred and four ; and 
the number of classes are increased from twenty- 
four to thirty ; and fifty-six souls have found 
peace with God since September last. The 
Christmas festival was a most blessed season. 
On Christmas morning, at four o'clock, the 
preaching-house was well filled, and God was 
truly present to bless ; — many were awakened, 
and four justified at the watch-night on New- 
Year's eve. Several also found pardon at the 
love-feast, and many witnessed a good confes- 
sion : but the time of renewing our covenant 
exceeded all : fourteen souls were that day born 
of God : some at their classes, and the rest at 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 271 

that sweet solemn season of the covenant. The 
house was truly shaken (I mean every soul 
therein) by the power of God. I believe none 
present, preachers or people, will ever forget it. 
I trust I never shall. It was none other than 
the antechamber of glory to my soul — the house 
of God — the gate of heaven. O how was I filled 
with his presence ! how did I bask in the beams 
of his love ! how was I made to feel his immea- 
surable fulness all my own, through covenant 
blood divine ! Several were perfected in love, 
and several backsliders restored. Since this, be- 
tween thirty and forty have joined the society ; 
several of whom date their deep awakenings 
from the covenant night. Mr. Rogers saw it 
expedient, on that occasion, to give notes of ad- 
mittance to some who were halting between two 
opinions ; and most of them were then, and are 
now, determined to be the Lord's. 

My class being now divided, I meet twenty on 
Tuesday, and eighteen on Friday. My heart 
is knit to these precious souls ; and, blessed be 
God, we never meet in vain. The Lord is 
pleased to bless me in all my weak labours, and 
he knows I ascribe to him all the good done, and 
all the glory. I do lie at his feet, and am aston- 
ished at his condescending love to such a worm. 
Last Sunday evening, thanksgiving notes were 
sent by four, for a sense of pardon received last 
week ; and we hear of two more, who received 
the same blessing that day. Several of our dear 
friends, who know and love the Lord, have en- 
tered into a solemn covenant with him, and with 



272 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

each other, never to rest till they experience 
perfect love. One of these has since received 
the blessing, and seems in all things a new crea- 
ture indeed. 

We have got another new place for preach- 
ing, in a very convenient and populous part of 
this city. Mr. R. preached there the first time 
a fortnight ago, and told the congregation he 
would meet in a class as many as were deter- 
mined to forsake their sins, and seek the king- 
dom of God with all their hearts. Fourteen 
offered themselves, and were admitted on trial ; 
and since then, five more ; so that there is a 
new class meets there, of nineteen members. 
Great good is likely to de done, as most of the 
hearers that attend are strangers, who perhaps 
would never have heard elsewhere. We have 
now five preaching-houses, at different parts 
and proper distances ; and I believe we shall 
see a glorious harvest of precious souls. In 
all, since we came, seventy-seven are enabled 
to rejoice in a reconciled God, and many more 
seem just ready to step into the liberty of God's 
children. 

We hear good news respecting the work of 
God in Dublin, and in other parts of the king- 
dom. O may the Lord ride on in the glorious 
and triumphant chariot of gospel grace, and sal- 
vation, till all be subdued ! My dear Mr. Rogers 
begs me to send his love to you, and joins me 
in daily intercessions at a throne of grace, that 
you may be filled with the fulness of every new 
covenant blessing. I am, my dear sir, your ever 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 273 

obliged and truly affectionate, though unworthy- 
friend and servant, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXXII. — To one who had set out fair 
for the kingdom of heaven, but at this time was 
grown languid and faint in spiritual things, 
and likely to return to the spirit and customs 
of the world. 

Cork, Jan. 16, 1789. 
My Dear Friend, — I have long desired to 
see your soul advance in spiritual life : and 
having considered your state in secret, and with 
solemn prayer before God, I think duty calls me 
to try, if by freely and fairly expostulating with 
you, I may, through grace, be an instrument of 
stirring you up to seek the Lord afresh, in that 
manner which alone will avail to your salva- 
tion ; even so as experimentally to feel him your 
God, reconciled in Christ Jesus. Short of this 
you cannot be happy — you are not safe. An 
unpardoned sinner is under all the curses of a 
broken law ; especially that sentence, " Cursed 
is every one who continueth not in all things 
written in the book of the law, to do them :" 
which stands in full force against that soul who 
has never taken refuge in the one and only pro- 
pitiation for sin ; even Jesus Christ the right- 
eous ; for no man can come unto the Father but 
by him ; neither is there salvation in any other. 
He himself assures us, " If ye die in your sins, 
18 



274 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

where I am ye cannot come ;" and, " Except a 
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom 
of God." Bear with one who loves you, then 
while I ask a few serious questions, as in the 
presence of God, before whom we must shortly 
both appear, and in whose sight all things are 
naked and open. 

Are you now as earnest in seeking the pardon 
of all your sins, as you were when, two years 
ago, you came with deep penitential sorrow and 
floods of tears, to join the society of God's peo- 
ple ? O ! that you could answer me in the af- 
firmative. You well remember the language of 
your soul then was, " The remembrance of my 
sins is grievous to me, the burden of them is 
intolerable : — a wounded spirit who can bear ?" 
You saw yourself a barren fig-tree, a cumberer 
of the ground; a brand ready for the burning'; 
and that v infinite justice must have sentenced 
you to the pit whence there is no return, if un- 
merited mercy in your divine Advocate had not 
prayed, " Let it still alone." Your cry was, with 
the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner," 
and with sinking Peter, " Lord save, or I perish." 
For a time you acted agreeably to such convic- 
tions ; — promising was the prospect, and fair the 
bud of grace : the arms of love were ready to 
receive you, and angels even began to rejoice 
over a repenting sinner. But ah ! where are now 
those fervent desires ; those ardent breathings 
after God ; those restless longings, which no- 
thing but the knowledge of his love could satisfy ? 
Where is that restless spirit of prayer, that love 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 275 

to every ordinance and means of grace ? How 
seldom was your seat in God's house then 
empty? Where is fled that deep seriousness 
which then ever sat on your countenance, and 
accompanied all your conversation ? — that dead- 
ness to worldly company, worldly concerns, and 
the good will of worldly persons ? In short, 
that whole deportment, which loudly spoke to 
all, that the language of your soul was, 

H None but Christ to me be given, 
None but Christ in earth or heaven." 

My dear friend, I could weep over you while 
I see the sad reverse. Alas ! it is not with you 
now as it was then : you seem to have lost that 
blessed power, that weeping penitence, that 
happy victory over all the charms a delusive 
world con boast ! Say, is it not the case ? Have 
you not sunk back into careless ease and indif- 
ference, with respect to heavenly things, — a 
false peace, and your spirit become light and 
trifling? You can now converse on worldly 
subjects, even as others, and join in their empty 
laughter ; yea, and prefer such company to the 
lovers of Jesus. O why is this awful change 1 
Is God no longer a just and holy God to punish 
sin ? Is he no longer a God of truth, who hath 
said, " The soul that sinneth, it shall die ?" 
" Except ye be converted, and become as little 
children, ye shall in no case enter into the king- 
dom of heaven ?" Is Christ and salvation, par- 
don here and glory hereafter, no longer desira- 
ble ? If otherwise, why then are you neglecting 



276 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

and trifling with your most important concerns ? 
Why are you returned to that which cannot sat- 
isfy 1 I tremble for you ! O cry mightily to God, 
and rest not till you are again filled with that 
hungering and thirsting that cannot be satisfied, 
but in an experimental knowledge of Jesus cru- 
cified, and his nature written on your heart. 

As the first step to a recovery, let me beseech 
you now lift up your soul to him who discerneth 
in secret, and ask him, Lord, why is thy striving 
Spirit departed, or just departing from me ? Yea, 
ask your own soul, Wherein did you resist and 
grieve that Spirit ? He convinced you, he that 
would follow Christ so as to be saved by him, 
must forsake and give up all. But were you 
faithful and obedient to these teachings? Did 
you not, after a little, begin to keep something 
back, and say, Is it not a little one ? Was there 
no creature delight, no beloved companion you 
had forsaken for Christ's sake, which you have 
again yielded to, and taken pleasure in ? pleas- 
ing yourself with the hope that this Agag might 
be spared : whereas the Spirit of truth hath said, 
" The companion of fools shall be destroyed :" 
and you are expressly commanded, " Come ye 
out from among them, and be ye separate, saith 
the Lord:" on this condition only, saith he, "I 
will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, 
and ye shall be my sons and my daughters, saith 
the Lord Almighty." 

While you obeyed the voice of God, you could 
not go to balls, plays, or cards ; for his Spirit 
taught you, " She that liveth in pleasure is dead 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 277 

while she liveth." But, have you not been pre- 
vailed upon ? — or, if not, have you not, in what 
is called little things, conformed to the world ? 
Such as fashionable adorning of the body, even 
in immodest as well as costly array ? whereas, 
the command is plain and positive, and easy to 
be understood, " That women adorn themselves 
in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and 
sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or 
costly array :" and again, "Be not conformed 
to this world, but be ye transformed by the re- 
newing of your mind ;" that is, if ye would 
" prove the acceptable will of God." Now, 
consider a moment, after (contrary to checks 
of conscience) indulging yourself in any of these 
things, could you pray as before? nay, were 
even your desires after God and spiritual things 
as lively and vigorous 1 Ah no ! the Spirit of 
God was grieved, and he moved not upon your 
spirit : he left you to yourself, and you neglected 
duty more and more ; till now, I fear, you can 
at times plead with the world you had forsaken, 
against singularity, against shutting yourself up 
from carnal company, and subjecting yourself 
to the sneers and disdain of those who see no 
beauty in Christ and salvation. Alas ! how 
changed : how trifling did you once account the 
scoffs and frowns of such: yea, not worth a 
thought, when you first felt your state as a lost 
sinner : then you would cry, 

" Let earth and all its trifles go : 
Give me, O Lord, thyself to know, 
Give me thy precious love." 



278 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

And are you happier now 1 Are you in a safer 
state — more fit for heaven ? It is true, you may 
have less fears of hell ; but this is no good sign, 
for you have more cause to fear. You were then 
a repenting sinner ; and had you persevered to 
seek, you would, before now, have been a child 
of God, and an heir of glory. But you are now 
a trifling sinner, and, O think a moment ! what 
is it you are trifling with ? — with God that made 
you — with Jesus, who shed his blood for you — 
with the Holy Ghost, who awakened, and hath 
been long striving with you: you are trifling 
with eternal happiness and eternal pain, and 
with your own immortal soul. This is an im- 
portant subject, and demands your immediate 
attention : in a little time it will be too late to 
reflect or repent. O, then, as you value eternal 
life, stop ! O go not a step further from your 
God ; but return, with weeping and supplication, 
to the feet of him you have pierced — him who 
yet prays for you, or you had been in hell : — to 
him who is yet willing to wash you in his own 
blood, and by the power of that Spirit you have 
grieved, save you from all, even your most be- 
setting sin. But delay not, or he may swear, 
" You shall never enter into his rest." Speedily 
cut off the right hand — pluck out the right eye 
— take up your cross, and give up all. You 
cannot serve God and mammon : you cannot be 
a friend of the world, and not be the enemy of 
God : you cannot indulge the spirit of the world, 
without losing your own soul. And be not de- 
ceived : if you follow the fashions and vain cus- 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 279 

toms thereof, you have the spirit of it, and love 
it more than God. " If as the world you live, 
you as the world will die." God forbid this 
should be the case ! O fly for refuge to the hope 
set before you ! and let me have joy over you in 
time, and in the day of eternity. 

I have, however, warned you ; and perhaps it 
may be your last warning, your last call, if you 
should now neglect. God will not always strive ! 
He may, before you are aware, lay the axe at 
the root of the tree, and cut it down. O that 
you may henceforward bring forth the fruits he 
requires ; first, the fruits of repentance, then the 
genuine fruits of faith ! Then shall I meet you 
with joy among the sheep at the right hand of 
yonder dazzling throne ! — when the Ancient of 
days shall sit, and the books shall be opened ; — 
when the righteous shall shine as the sun in the 
kingdom of their Father, and be as pillars in his 
house above, to go out no more ! Amen, Lord 
Jesus, prays yours in real affection, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXXIII. — To Mrs. Condy, on the sub- 
ject of Christian perfection, 

Cork, Oct. 11, 1789. 

My Dear Friend and Sister, — I believe 

you are well able to answer your own questions. 

However, as you desire it, I will freely tell you 

my thoughts on what we call Christian perfec- 



280 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

tion. We do not mean, hereby, the perfection 
of God, of angels, of disembodied spirits, or of 
Adam while innocent. But we mean that per- 
fection of which our natures are capable, through 
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the second 
Adam. We are under the law to Christ ; viz., 
the law of love — the law of liberty ; or, in other 
words, the covenant of grace. Whosoever loveth 
the Lord his God with all his heart, and mind, 
and soul, and strength, and his neighbour as 
himself, fulfilleth this law. The lowest degree 
of this salvation is to have all contrarieties to 
this love cast out of the soul. We may be said 
thus to love him with a pure heart, when proud 
self, and great /, are slain, and we feel only hu- 
mility : when anger, fretfulness, and impatience, 
are no more : but we ever feel a meek and quiet 
spirit : when I will, and i" will not, is all brought 
into subjection to the will of our heavenly Fa- 
ther ; and our will is, that he should reign over 
us : when he really does regulate and govern 
our passions, affections, and desires ; inordinate 
desires, and inordinate creature love being no 
more : and, lastly, unbelief (and consequently all 
tormenting fear, and painful anxiety) is wholly 
cast out. But, after all this, it remains that we 
go forward, that we grow in grace, till we be 
not only emptied of sin, but filled with all the 
fulness of God. 

The moment any soul is justified, it is free 
from the power or dominion of outward and of 
inward sin ; and may hold fast that blessed free- 
dom to the end. But, supposing a person does 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 281 

this, such a one will feel a mixture of evil pro- 
pensities, tempers, affections, and desires ; which 
defilement is so rooted in our nature, that none 
but Jehovah Jesus can cast out " the strong man 
armed, and spoil all his armour wherein he 
trusted." It is true, we may mortify, resist, and 
keep under those evils ; but Jesus alone can 
pluck up and destroy every plant and root which 
his Father planted not. We may gradually grow 
in grace and holiness, and hereby increase in 
victoriously subjecting the enemy within ; but 
Jesus alone can slay the man of sin. 

All salvation, too, is by faith alone, as the in- 
strument. If, then, we must be saved by faith, 
it is in a moment, and the present moment, if not 
our own fault : for, what wait we for, who are 
the children and heirs of God 1 and therefore 
heirs of the promises, which are all to us, " yea 
and amen in Christ Jesus." If we wait for more 
worthiness — to suffer more, to do more, to be 
more fit ; then we are seeking to be sanctified 
by these things : viz., by works. But if we be- 
lieve we can only obtain the blessing by grace, 
through faith, and this salvation is the free gift 
of God ; then let us be consistent with ourselves ; 
let us expect it by faith — expect it in a moment, 
and expect it now : which are one and the same 
thing, and are inseparable. To be dying, and 
to be dead indeed unto sin, are two things. Be 
not you, my sister, content with the former : " A 
man may be dying for some time," says Mr. 
Wesley, " yet, properly speaking, he does not 
die till the moment the soul is separated from his 



282 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

body, and in that instant he begins to live the life 
of eternity : in like manner, a man may be dying 
unto sin for some time ; yet he is not ' dead 
indeed unto sin,' till sin be separated from the 
soul, and in that instant he begins to live the life 
of pure love" O be you " dead indeed unto 
sin, and alive unto God, through Jesus Christ 
your Lord !" 

It is the blood of Jesus alone cleanseth from 
all sin : — not penal sufferings, not mortifications 
of any kind, not any thing we have, not grace 
already received, not any thing we are, or can 
be ; nor death, nor purgatory ; no, not the pur- 
gatory of all our doings, and sufferings, and striv- 
ings put together: no, no; Christ is the pro- 
curing, meritorious cause of all our salvation. 
He alone forgiveth sins, and he alone cleanseth 
from all unrighteousness. Faith is the only con- 
dition, and it shares in the Omnipotence it dares 
to trust. " All things are now ready" is the 
gospel message ; and Jesus saveth all them to 
the uttermost that come unto God by him. " I 
will, be thou clean," is his language to every 
seeking leprous soul! — to you if not already 
cleansed. 

Joy in the Holy Ghost is a blessed fruit of 
this salvation ; but divine joy is not always rap- 
turous ; we may be sorrowful, yet always re- 
joicing ; and there is suffering love, as well as 
exulting love. A person saved as above, may 
experience a degree of heaviness, or dulness, 
for a season, through bodily infirmities, close 
trials, or sundry temptations ; but such a one 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 283 

cannot walk in darkness. Likewise, many mis- 
takes are consistent with^this state; I mean 
errors in judgment, and failures in memory ; yet 
the will stands firm for God, and the intention 
is always single. Involuntary sins, (as some 
call them,) or sins of ignorance, (except the ig- 
norance be wilful,) are not breaches of the law 
of love : — for these things we have an Advocate 
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who 
is our propitiation, and washes our holiest duties 
in his own blood ; to whom we will ever give 
honour and glory. I am, my dear sister, yours 
in the bonds of pure love, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXXIV. — To one lately emerged out 
of Arian darkness, 

Cork, Nov. 5, 1789. 
My Dear Miss D., — I received the favour of 
yours, and rejoice that you know in whom you 
have believed, and that your face is now Zion- 
ward. Go on, my dear sister ; it is a blessed 
path :— the goodly land is before — the land of 
sacred liberty, and glorious rest from all sin. O 
that you may soon prove, by happy experience, 
"perfect love casteth out all [slavish] fear!" 
and that the deepest humiliation before God, on 
account of our ignorance, helplessness, and un- 
worthiness, is not only consistent with, but in- 
separable from, rejoicing evermore ; for the 



284 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

ground of that rejoicing is, that he who hath 
loved, and washed me from my sins in his own 
blood, hath all the honour and glory, and is all 
in all for ever ; while I sink a poor worm at his 
feet — overwhelmed at his free unmerited grace : 
grace that plucked me from the gulf beneath — 
reconciled a poor guilty rebel to her God — 
changed the leopard's spots, and made the Ethiop 
white. Thus, the more deep our sense of un- 
worthiness, the more precious is Jesus, our in- 
terceding Advocate with the Father, who, in his 
exalted human nature, ever liveth to intercede 
for us, until that day when he shall deliver up 
the kingdom (viz., his mediatorial office) to God, 
even the Father, and the glorious Godhead of 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, shall be all in all 
for ever. O the preciousness of such a High 
Priest, such a Saviour, such a Counsellor, such 
a King ! O for more heartfelt union with him — - 
more of the power of his transforming love ! 
Blessed promise, " He that hungereth and thirst 
eth after righteousness, shall be filled." 

You have heard, I doubt not, of precious Mr. 
Fletcher's death, and how he proclaimed, with 
his latest breath — God is love ! O that we may 
be filled, as he was, with his heavenly Master's 
Spirit. There was a witness of the power of 
grace ! a living and a dying witness that Jesus 
can save to the uttermost. Let me exhort my 
dear friend to come just as you are to the open 
fountain of his precious blood ; and how soon 
may you feel the merit of Him you were once 
taught to despise, made of God unto you not 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 285 

only wisdom and righteousness, but also sanctifi- 
cation and redemption. 

You see how freely I write, as if I had known 
you seven years. I hope you will follow my 
example in this, and let me know the particulars 
of your spiritual state, that I may rejoice yet 
more in your joy. My love and my dear part- 
ner's attend you. "May He that liveth, and 
was dead, who is the First and the Last — the 
bright and the morning Star," be the portion of 
your happy soul, prays your invariable friend, 

H. A. Rogers. 



Letter XXXV.— To a Friend. 

London, Dec. 5, 1792. 

My Dear Sister, — As our blessed Lord has 
again restored me to a little strength, I feel re- 
newed desires to devote it all to him. Wishing 
to be of some little use to the afflicted among 
his dear saints, in the course of my visits yester- 
day morning, I called upon Mrs. Jacques, (a 
poor woman, only three doors from our Spital- 
fields chapel,) and I was thankful I did so. She 
gave me a pleasing, affecting account of her 
husband, who died a month ago. Hoping and 
praying it may prove as great a blessing to your 
soul as it has been to mine, I here relate the 
particulars. 

They had been married five years. For two 
years after their marriage they lived reputably ; 



286 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

when it pleased the Lord to afflict Mr. Jacques 
with a palsy, so that he was unable to work: 
and about eighteen months ago he had a second 
stroke, which took away the use of one side en- 
tirely ; and he was then confined to his bed. A 
blood vessel was strained, or broke, which af- 
fected his throat, and formed a lump there as big 
as the head of a child. This affliction reduced 
them to deep poverty ; but they were assisted by 
kind friends, who also visited and prayed con- 
stantly with them. While in health, Mr. Jacques 
had frequently heard the Methodists, and was 
enlightened respecting the way of salvation ; 
and, during his sickness, he earnestly sought the 
Lord ; but his evidence was never clear, till a 
little before his death. His wife knew the Lord 
in her youth, but was a backslider in heart from 
his love ; yet she earnestly desired salvation for 
her dying husband ; and would often say, " My 
dear, how is it with your soul 1 Have you con- 
fidence in God ?" &c. He would answer, " I 
am not happy: I have no assurance." She 
asked, " Do you think he has power to save 
you ?" He said, " O yes, but I want to know he 
does save me !" Several friends prayed with 
him, and for him ; yet the cloud remained until 
the Monday evening before he died. As one of 
our friends went into his room that night, he 
cried out, " Lord, save thy poor, helpless ser- 
vant this night ! O visit me with salvation under 
the prayer of this thy servant : pardon my sins, 
and heal my guilty soul !" The Lord heard ; 
and before his friend rose up from prayer, so 



MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 287 

delivered him, that he cried aloud, " Now I am 
happy ! Now I know Jesus has forgiven me all, 
and I shall be with him for ever ! I am happy ! 
I am happy !" Thus he went on for some time. 
To his wife he said, " Trust the Lord, and be 
resigned, and seek his forgiveness with all your 
heart. Are you resigned ?" She said, " I can- 
not give you up." " Not resigned !" said he, 
with great concern, " you must be resigned, for 
I shall be taken from you ; I shall die this night, 
therefore resign me quickly !" After lying com- 
posed a little, he bade them pray. A person 
present did so : but he bade them pray again ! 
They asked, " Are you not happy ?" He said, 
" yes, I am ; but you have need yet to pray 
— the time is very short !" They prayed again ; 
but he turned to his wife, and said, " Do you 
pray." She said, " Lord, help me to pray." 
And she found power earnestly to entreat the 
Lord to finish his work, and if any thing remain- 
ed to be done, speedily to make an end of sin. 
This satisfied him ; and he said, " That is right : 
— thank thee : the Lord is here, and I shall 
soon be happy for ever !" (further adding,) " I 
have much to say to thee, and the time is very 
short. Are you resigned ?" She said, " I hope 
I am." " Well," said he, " that is right : then 
I shall soon go ! Trust God, and he will take 
care of thee." After lying a little, with his eyes 
closed,he cried, " Sing — sing — I am just going!" 
They could not sing for tears : he seemed dis- 
pleased, and cried, "Will none of you sing?" 
They could not answer him, and he said to his 



288 MRS. HESTER ANN ROGERS. 

wife, " What ! will not you sing 1 You ought 
not to weep, but to sing, when you see me going 
to God !" And then he gave out, and sung with 
a loud voice, 

" Salvation, O the joyful sound ! 

What pleasure to our ears !" &c. 

After which he lay composed a little ; then 
started up, and said, " There is the Lord Jesus ! 
Betsey, there is the Lord Jesus !" And to an- 
other he said, " See ! there he is ! — The Lord 
Jesus ! — I am going !" — and immediately drop- 
ped, as it were, asleep into his arms ; for he 
spoke no more. 

My soul was comforted by the above relation. 
O what is all below compared with a death like 
this ! What are trials, which are but for a mo- 
ment, when the joy which is set before us is so 
exceeding abundant ! The poor widow now 
desires to meet class with me, and I bid her 
come. May she be joined to the Lord in bonds 
never to be broken. I am, my dear friend, yours 
in our common Lord, 

H. A. Rogers. 



the END. 



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